6 Vasectomy Myths That Men Should Be Aware Of

A lot of women take birth control remedies like IUDs, pills, and contraceptive shots to reduce the risk of an unwanted pregnancy.

Women typically find these procedures effective and reliable in their specific function. And for men, there’s a similar male birth control procedure that can keep them sterile for good—a vasectomy.

For men, a vasectomy is a form of birth control that cuts off sperm supply from the semen. This is done by surgically cutting or sealing the vas deferens or the tubes that carry sperm out of the testicle to the urethra.

For the most part, a vasectomy comes at a 99% success rate, making it a highly effective male sterilization procedure. That said, there’s still a lot of stigma and misinformation surrounding this procedure.

So, is vasectomy a libido killer? Does vasectomy reversal surgery have a low success rate? This article will get into the nitty-gritty of vasectomy myths that men should be aware of, especially those considering the procedure.

Let’s jump straight into these myths and uncover the truth behind them.

1. Vasectomy Causes Sex Drive to Drop

As mentioned earlier, a vasectomy prevents sperm from mixing with the semen and the ejaculate. This is the only change that’ll happen following the procedure.

In other words, if you’ve maintained healthy erections before your vasectomy, you won’t have any difficulties obtaining erections post-surgery. Furthermore, the quality of your orgasms should remain unaltered too.

Vasectomies also don’t affect the production of testosterone, a male androgen that’s responsible for maintaining multiple bodily functions, like keeping libido levels normal. Your testosterone secretion will remain largely the same before and directly after your vasectomy.

2. Sexual Intercourse Won’t Be As Fun Post-Vasectomy

Having a permanent alteration to your penile function may seem unnatural at first. Still, the peace of mind of knowing you’re not going to encounter any unwanted pregnancies makes it all worthwhile.

In fact, sex is likely to be more spontaneous, active, and fun after having your vasectomy. You no longer have to hold that little anxiety bubble hovering over your head on the off-chance that you may ejaculate semen containing sperm.

That said, it’s generally recommended that you have sex with protection two months before you engage in unprotected sex with your partner.

In fact, studies suggest patients lay off sex for at least 2 months after the vasectomy, particularly for traditional vasectomies. No-scalpel versions can take just a week of recovery time.

Waiting that amount of time not only protects you from sexually transmitted infections, but also ensures that all traces of sperm are flushed out of your system for good.

In other words, you won’t have to worry about sperm leaking once you fully recover from a conventional vasectomy treatment.

3. Vasectomies Cause Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction, a condition marked by significant difficulty forming and keeping an erection, is one of the most common sexual dysfunctions out there.

And while ED has a wide range of potential roots, vasectomy surgery isn’t typically one of them.

Having a vasectomy doesn’t influence the blood vessels influencing an erection, for one.

Secondly, people who’ve had vasectomies are typically at a happier stage of their sex life, which may lead to improved sexual attraction and satisfaction.

If you have ED symptoms, contact a licensed medical specialist for guidance regarding possible ED cures and treatment.

4. Vasectomies Cause Prostate Cancer and Testicular Cancer

There are some concerns regarding vasectomies in causing certain types of cancers, particularly testicular and prostate cancer.

And while there have been a few small studies that have seen a statistically significant link, they have methodological limitations and are typically outdated. As of 2022, there’s no direct evidence that suggests that vasectomies can cause cancer.

The risk factors of the cancers above typically include a family history of the cancer, age, body size, and race. If you’re over 50, it’s important to get annual check-ups to ensure that you’re not carrying any cancerous cells.

5. Vasectomies Are Painful

It’s natural to feel nervous at the thought of undergoing a surgical process—especially one concerning your sexual organs.

But vasectomies are fairly non-invasive, and even for the types that are, they’re often administered with numbing anesthesia that can turn major pain into mild pain.

There are two types of vasectomies, a no-scalpel vasectomy and one that requires incision. The no-scalpel variant is much more prevalent nowadays thanks to its shorter recovery time of less than a week.

It’s only during recovery that people feel the most pain. Side effects of the surgery include:

• Swelling
• Blood in semen
• Mild discomfort
• Pain after sex
• Bruised scrotum

Typically, these side effects fade away in less than a week.

As for the surgical procedure itself, it typically takes less than 30 minutes. It involves an instrument that’s inserted into your scrotal sac—facilitating the tube cut but leaving no major scarring in your scrotum.

Following the procedure, there’ll be little anatomical differences in your sexual organs, and there certainly won’t be any long-lasting pain that’ll affect your sex life.

6. Vasectomies Are Irreversible

The idea of snipping away a penile tube may seem like a permanent, one-and-done deal. However, there are reversible treatments to help men regain their fertility. And in over 90% of cases, these vasectomy reversals can actually be effective.

A reversal typically involves reattaching the cut segments of the vas deferens through surgical procedures. This procedure tends to be more effective if done within 10 years of the vasectomy, but it can also be successful for older cases.

Get The Treatment You Need at Orlando, Florida’s Top Male Medical Facility

Vasectomies are an effective male sterilization procedure that can help in preventing pregnancy during sexual activity. However, this procedure, as with many other sexual topics, is often fraught with misinformation.

If you’re seeking help regarding your sexual health, the licensed medical specialists at Premier Men’s Medical Center can help. We offer ED treatment, medical weight loss, adrenal fatigue, and customized healthy living programs to our patients in need.

Schedule an appointment with us today, your initial consultation and first treatment are completely free.