Truths and Misconceptions: What Every Man Should Know About A Vasectomy

Only about half of U.S. men have a high understanding of what a vasectomy is, according to recent research. Perhaps this is why many men confuse sterilization with low testosterone, and why so many have unfounded fears about vasectomies.

Our patients reflect the national norm. Every year, a high number of men come to us with the same concerns about getting vasectomies, all centered on groundless fears and misconceptions. 

A recent survey by KFF (formerly Kaiser Family Fund) reports that 21% of men said they would consider getting a vasectomy. However, of those who considered one, 39% opted out due to fear about pain and complications. Based on what our patients ask us, misconceptions also center on sexual performance and post-surgery health issues.

We aim to knock the bottom out of some of those fears for men considering a vasectomy as a permanent form of birth control.

Debunking 5 of the Biggest Misconceptions About Vasectomies

Nearly 500,000 vasectomies are performed each year in the U.S., so a vast pool of data is available about the benefits and safety. Among the benefits: A vasectomy is fast, very low risk, and nearly 100% effective at preventing pregnancy. 

Further, a vasectomy is a straightforward procedure. After you have been given a local anesthetic (or nitrous oxide, if you prefer), your physician will cut and close off the two tubes that carry sperm from your testicles to your penis (the vas deferens). This all takes about 30 minutes.

Still, a few stubborn misconceptions about vasectomies persist. Following are five we can set our clocks to, debunked by the facts.

1. A vasectomy will lower my testosterone levels. This is false. When the vans deferens are cut and sealed, the testicles are unaffected. They will still produce testosterone as well as sperm, and the prostate gland will continue to receive testosterone to make seminal fluid. The only difference is that the ejaculate will be sperm-free. You will continue to ejaculate as you did before the procedure.
2. A vasectomy causes erectile dysfunction. Again, false. Ongoing research into the effects of a vasectomy on a man’s sex drive conclude that the procedure does not interfere with the ability to achieve an erection or cause impotence. In fact, several studies confirm that men experience improved erections after a vasectomy, according to a report in the National Library of Medicine. This outcome might be due to men feeling more confident and spontaneous.
3. A vasectomy raises the likelihood of developing cancer. This fear is largely unproven. While repeated studies fail to show a significant link between a vasectomy and prostate or testicular cancers, a slight risk – of roughly 0.9% – might exist after 15 years, according to a report in The Journal of Urology. (This increase may just represent artifact as a mechanistic or scientific explanation for this correlation does not exist currently.) Similarly, researchers have not detected connections between vasectomy and heart disease. 
4. I will suffer long-lasting pain from a vasectomy. The chances of persistent post-vasectomy pain are extremely rare. For most patients, any mild pain fades after a few days. Ongoing pain, a condition called post-vasectomy pain syndrome (PSVP), occurs in an estimated 1% to 2% of men, according to the Mayo Clinic. 
5. Sex doesn’t feel as good after a vasectomy. This fear is unfounded. A vasectomy has no bearing on the structures that enable an erection, nor does it interfere with physical stimulation. Some people report more enjoyable sex after a vasectomy because it is worry-free birth control. You will continue to achieve orgasm and ejaculate the same amount of semen as you did before the procedure, and your semen will look and taste the same. 

5 Better Questions to Ask a Urologist Before a Vasectomy

If you are thinking about a vasectomy, we think the following questions address more realistic considerations. 

• What are the potential complications of a vasectomy procedure? Inflammation and infection may occur after a vasectomy, but these complications are seldom serious. In some cases, a small harmless lump (sperm granuloma) may form where a vas deferens is sealed. In rare cases, the vas deferens reconnect.
• How soon can I have unprotected sex after the vasectomy? It will take a few months, about 15 to 20 ejaculations, before sex is 100% risk-free. This is because some sperm will remain in your vas deferens after the vasectomy. After two or three months, your doctor will test your semen for sterility. Until then you should continue using birth control methods. 
• How long will it take for me to recover from a vasectomy? Typically, a vasectomy patient can get back to his routine within a few days, but avoid heavy lifting, exercise, and sexual intercourse for five days. In the days after the procedure, you will be advised to rest with an ice pack on the incision to manage swelling. 
• Will there be any physical changes? No, a vasectomy does not alter how your genitals look, nor what your erection and semen look like. If you get stitched incisions, they should heal with light scarring.
• Is a vasectomy covered by insurance? Your insurance policy may or may not cover the vasectomy, or it may cover just a portion of it. Our team can help you check your coverage in advance. Explore the costs of a vasectomy.

Addressing the Most Realistic Vasectomy Fear: Permanence

The most rational fear about vasectomies is that they are permanent, so be sure you are committed to not having children. A reversal procedure called a vasovasostomy is available, but it does not guarantee you will regain fertility and it is a more complicated surgery.

Eliminating the fear factor from a vasectomy involves understanding exactly what the procedure entails. To help you face and overcome your fears, your physician will perform a thorough consultation to ensure you are indeed ready.

Read more on what to expect from a vasectomy. If you want to schedule a vasectomy consultation, request an appointment here or call 513-841-7400.