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Vasectomies are becoming a prevalent form of birth control for men, with half a million electing to have the procedure done every year in the U.S. alone. But because of their increasing popularity, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects. One of the most common concerns is that a vasectomy will reduce testosterone. But is that true?
Married men of reproductive age who have already had children are increasingly opting for a vasectomy, with about 5% of married men having already undergone the procedure.
The reason for this prevalence is that vasectomies are generally considered to be safe. They are an almost 100% effective form of birth control and can be done as an outpatient procedure. But despite the obvious benefits of a vasectomy, are there any risks?
Truth be told, many men remain concerned about a vasectomy affecting their testosterone levels or libido. Let’s find out if there is truth to these myths.
What Happens During a Vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a simple and generally safe procedure that, while reversible to some extent, is considered a long-term contraceptive measure. The main aim of the procedure is to cut the tubes that carry sperm — so that sperm cannot be ejaculated from the penis.
The tubes can then be sealed with, for example, surgical clips, to prevent sperm from moving into the urethra. While men who have had vasectomies continue to produce sperm, the sperm can no longer leave the body and cannot be transferred during intercourse.
Vasectomy Side Effects
While complications are rare, some men can experience side effects from their vasectomy, especially within the first few days following the procedure. Typically, you will experience some pain in the immediate area impacted by the surgery, some swelling, and possibly mild bleeding.
Infections and hematomas remain rare and are usually limited to the site of the incision. In addition, sometimes a vasectomy can cause a sperm granuloma to form, which typically occurs within weeks of the procedure.
Sperm granulomas can develop when your immune system identifies leaking sperm from the cuts made on your vas tubes. The chances of developing this vasectomy side effect are not slim and can be observed in up to half the men who undergo surgery.
Albeit uncommon, procedure failure is always a possibility and occurs in up to 2% of patients. If surgery is unsuccessful, there will be no safeguards in place to prevent pregnancy.
Does a Vasectomy Lower Testosterone?
The primary benefit of a vasectomy is that it functions as a form of male birth control that reduces the pressure on your female counterpart who would more likely than not be taking hormonal birth control pills otherwise. Yet, many men remain concerned about whether a vasectomy lowers testosterone. Myth or truth? Let’s find out.
Research has extensively looked into the relationship between vasectomy and potential changes in serum testosterone levels. If you’re worried your vasectomy will reduce your testosterone, don’t be. Scientists have found no evidence of the procedure impacting the male hormone long-term.
It’s true that for some time, the possible long-term effects of vasectomy on your testosterone levels weren’t fully understood — which led to many men becoming wary of the procedure as testosterone deficiency can trigger an array of unpleasant side effects.
A large-scale study published in 2018 examined 485 men who had undergone a vasectomy and compared them to 1940 men who had not had a vasectomy. The trial concluded that a vasectomy did not cause long-term effects on male sexual hormones, noting no clinically significant changes in either total or free testosterone.
Another trial that’s in alignment with the aforementioned research, investigated 51 men, out of which 26 had undergone a vasectomy. When comparing the two groups, the study found no noteworthy differences in testicular or epididymal size measured via qualitative histology.
With a lot of research conducted on the topic, scientists agree that a vasectomy generally does not lower testosterone levels and that it will not impact your ability to produce testosterone. Its purpose is to work as a contraceptive by simply hindering sperm from being ejaculated.
Does a Vasectomy Affect Your Libido?
Despite the benefits of a vasectomy, some concerns remain. Even if the vasectomy doesn’t lower your testosterone levels, what about other important aspects of your sexual health? Some men insist their sex drive changed after having the procedure done. But does a vasectomy truly affect your libido?
Because a vasectomy only prevents sperm from being ejaculated in semen and does not alter your serum testosterone levels, a vasectomy should not affect libido.
While fluid build-up and temporary side effects, such as infections and swelling, can lead to short-term changes in your sex drive, it’s not the vasectomy that affects your libido.
Vasectomy and Erectile Dysfunction
In addition to wondering whether a vasectomy affects libido, many men who are already reluctant to undergo the procedure, worry about their level of sexual performance afterward. However, a vasectomy has not been found to be the cause of erectile dysfunction.
While low testosterone can impact getting or maintaining an erection, the majority of research performed on the topic suggests that a vasectomy will not lead to erectile dysfunction or poor sexual function.
Much of the research conducted instead points to an improved state of sexual performance and an increased frequency of intercourse. Interestingly, positive psychological effects after a vasectomy can nurture feelings of confidence and safety, ultimately increasing sexual satisfaction within the relationship.
However, if you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction at some point after a vasectomy, know that testosterone levels naturally decline with age and may be responsible for your symptoms.
A Vasectomy Won’t Mess With Your Hormones
As a contraceptive, a vasectomy is known to have many benefits, alleviating the need for female birth control. The myth that a vasectomy will reduce your testosterone levels is unfounded and has been refuted by the majority of researchers.
Because a vasectomy doesn’t lower your testosterone, your sex drive and performance should remain unchanged. However, if you do observe changes, note that factors, like age, stress, and diet can all play a part in your hormonal health.
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