Vasectomy is a technique that stops sperm from leaving the testicles.
It is an effective method of birth control for those who don’t want to conceive anymore
The procedure is simple with few complications and is performed using anesthesia
Let’s separate the fact from the myth:
There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding vasectomy as it leads to male menopause.
Vasectomy doesn’t have any effect whatsoever on hormonal levels or sexual functions.
The only thing it affects is the transport of sperm to seminal fluid.
An extensive damage to the testicular blood vessels during a vasectomy could impair testosterone production.
While this likely gave rise to the myth, it should be noted that it is an extremely rare and unexpected complication.
Does getting a vasectomy lower your testosterone levels?
Having a vasectomy has no impact on your hormone levels. Multiple studies have measured hormone levels before and after a vasectomy and found no significant change.
Some men were however concerned that because sperm isn’t leaving their testicles during ejaculation, their testosterone levels have been affected, leading to male menopause.
Researchers have however denounced this rumor and found that these concerns are not true.
It’s normal to produce less testosterone as you age and this isn’t related to whether you had a vasectomy or not.
Vasectomy also does not increase your risks of diseases like prostate cancer, sexual problems, autoimmune disorder, and heart diseases.
Does a vasectomy affect your libido?
Vasectomy has not been shown to affect sexual functions, the ability to achieve erection and ejaculate, or your libido.
It is however important to note that it does not protect you or your partner against sexually transmitted infections.
How does a vasectomy work?
Sperm travels through tubes called the vas deferens to combine with seminal fluid and get ejected through the urethra as semen.
Sperm makes up an estimated 2 to 5% of this fluid which contains genetic materials that can potentially fertilize an egg
So a vasectomy works by cutting off the vas deferens. The surgeon removes a portion of the tube that cannot grow back and then ties or clips it to further reduce the chance of growing back.
This is a highly effective birth control method that doesn’t cause male menopause.
About 10 percent of couples who use contraception rely on their partner’s vasectomy as their own birth control method.
Urologists are the medical specialist that performs vasectomy
Who can get a vasectomy?
Anyone with testicles can get a vasectomy
If you are dealing with an infection or genital condition, your doctor may recommend postponing your surgery.
Depending on your medical needs, the doctor may use a different surgical approach for you.
Are there any negative effects of a vasectomy?
Vasectomy can be done through a traditional incision or no-incision vasectomy.
No-incision vasectomies are more common. It reduces complications.
People are usually able to return to sexual activities faster.
There may be complications but they are rare. They include infection, bleeding, pain, and hematoma
