Can Vasectomies Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Over 500,000 men in the United States get the snip every year. This procedure may intimidate a lot of guys out there, but there is nothing to be afraid of. For many couples, it is liberating to forgo condoms and birth control once and for all once a man gets a vasectomy. ¹ 

The idea of having surgery on your genitals can be squirm-inducing, but what is a vasectomy, and what does the procedure look like? The surgery is one thing, but many men may be worried about the quality of their sex life once they get a vasectomy. If you already experience erectile dysfunction, you may be taking Cialis or Viagra, but will a vasectomy make it worse? Read on to learn more and how to lower your ED treatment price through an online pharmacy like mailMymeds.

What is a Vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a fairly simple procedure that does not require an overnight hospital stay. This is a fast, outpatient procedure, but your doctor may recommend taking a few days off work to recover. You should also avoid sexual activity and heavy lifting during your recovery period, typically two to three days. 

When a man ejaculates, sperm leaves the testicles through tubes from both testes (vas deferens) and mixes with semen. A vasectomy involves blocking or cutting each vas deferens tube to keep the sperm out of your semen. If sperm cannot mix with semen, pregnancy cannot occur.

There are two main types of vasectomies: the incision method and the no-scalpel method. In general, the no-scalpel method, or no-cut, is used more frequently because it has a lower risk of infection and heals quicker. ²

a. No-Cut Method

The no-scalpel surgery is the preferred method for most men. This procedure involves your doctor feeling for the vas deferens under your scrotum. They will hold the vas deferens in place and make a tiny hole in the skin. The skin will be stretched open, and the vas deferens will be lifted out. The vas deferens will be cut and ligated or cauterized, stitching is usually not required. This procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes and can be done in a doctor’s office. ²

b. Conventional Vasectomy

A conventional vasectomy is a bit more intensive. An incision will be made in the scrotum to reach the vas deferens. The doctor will remove a small piece of each tube and leave a short gap between the two ends. The ends may be stitched, tied or seared. These stitches dissolve over time to help the cuts heal. Because the vas deferens is cut, sperm can no longer reach the semen or leave your body. ² 

Myths about Vasectomies

There are several myths about vasectomies, and these myths must be debunked. If you do a quick Google search, you may find the following statements:  

• A vasectomy murders your sex drive. 
• A vasectomy is incredibly painful. 
• A vasectomy takes a long time, and the recovery is intense. 
• Vasectomies fail all the time. 
• Vasectomy affects orgasms and semen. 

You will be happy to learn that none of the above statements are true. Vasectomies are quick procedures, and an anesthetic is applied before the procedure begins. If done properly, the failure rates of vasectomies are around zero percent. It is considered the most effective form of birth control. It takes around three months after the surgery for the full effect of the vasectomy to take hold. ³

Vasectomies & ED

Let’s cut to the chase: vasectomies do not affect the male sex drive or the appearance of semen. Getting a vasectomy does not affect your sexual desire or ability to have erections. Your orgasms will remain unchanged, but it is important to wait until your doctor approves you for sex after your procedure?

If you feel a lot of pain after your vasectomy, you should talk to your doctor to make sure everything is okay. Some men report feeling mild aching in their testicles after the procedure, but this should go away with time. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines can help reduce any pain felt directly after the surgery.

If you notice that you are having trouble achieving and maintaining an erection after a vasectomy, you may want to seek a doctor’s advice. Likely, these ED symptoms are not related to the surgery. Several factors can cause ED, and your doctor can help determine the cause of any sexual dysfunction. If you are diagnosed with ED, erectile dysfunction pills can help you achieve erections. If you want an effective birth control option for you and any sexual partners, talk to your doctor about a vasectomy. ⁴

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.