One of the commonest forms of male contraception is vasectomy. In scientific circles it is widely referred as sterilization that helps stop the sperm from entering semen. After the surgery a male ejaculates, yet there’s no sperm. As a result, risks of pregnancy are eliminated. Things seem to be nothing but beneficial. But what about the reports about erectile dysfunction provoked by vasectomy?
Is Vasectomy the Cause of Impotence?
In real life males become impotent because of vasectomy extremely rare. There is a mental rather than physical link between the surgery and ED. In most cases it’s depression that increases impotence risks. If you still have some doubts, you are free to have a professional consultation and learn more.
Such surgeries have been performed since 1800s. It is true that much has changes since that time, yet up-to-date researches prove that the surgery is both safe and effective. No significant evidence of ED-vasectomy relation was noticed. The procedure involves the pelvic area and prostate, yet it never involves the penis or testicles.
Vasectomy Related ED in Some Males
The latest researches proved that the incidence of ED is 1.9 in 1.000 males, who had the surgery and 1.7 in 1.000 in males, who didn’t have it. So, why does vasectomy lead to impotence in some males?
Let’s start with the fact that the process of erection always involves many vascular as well as endocrine functions. When it is damaged or disturbed, it results in impotence. In its turn, vasectomy has no direct effects on the involved processes. The procedure isn’t likely to lead to any damage. However, in some cases it takes several weeks before the post-surgery discomfort leaves and a male is able to have sex again.
Today a very small percentage of males have a continued pain after the surgery. This pain starts affecting their sexual performance. The inflammation of the scrotum may also occur and result in the leakage of sperm; however, it can be quickly corrected.
Erectile dysfunction cases after vasectomy occur because of some negative psychological associations with this type of surgery. If you have some fears and doubts, you’re not recommended to go through the procedure. Another tip is to refuse from vasectomy, if ED issues have already occurred in you, yet they are occasional rather than permanent.
Issues Related to Vasectomy
Some males report erectile dysfunction after having vasectomy. We’ve already exploded the myth of impotence related to the procedure. Yet, there are several additional physical problems reported.
- Reduction of testosterone levels
When males get older, their levels of testosterone start decreasing. The process is quite natural and is always taken for granted. The process starts at the age of 30 and remains for a lifetime. The typical drop is around 1% per year.
As long as most males have their vasectomy procedures in the mid-thirties or even older, they have their testosterone reduction process started. It means that the lower levels of hormone are not connected with the physical intervention.
At the same time lower levels of testosterone result in:
- Depression;
- Stress;
- Fewer erections;
- Body weight changes;
- Low sex drive.
A male with such problems can hardly blame his recent vasectomy. The natural reduction of testosterone is the one to be blamed. Anyway, we suggest having a professional consultation before making any final judgments.
- Enlargement of prostate
The condition is also referred as BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is quite common for males in age.
There are several symptoms that prostate enlargement is accompanied by:
- Frequent urination;
- Incomplete emptying of the bladder;
- Walking at night to urinate;
- Hesitancy initiating a stream;
- Decreased force of stream.
Frankly speaking, this health issue can be quite easily treated with prescribed medications. Sometimes only surgical intervention can help eliminate symptoms. Can vasectomy lead to this health issue in males? As for now it has never been shown to trigger the enlargement of prostate or cause the urinary symptoms.
Is Connection between Low Libido and Vasectomy False?
Thousands of males have vasectomy every year. They are of different ages and with different additional health issues like those of prostate, urinary tract or reproductive system. There’s a so-called post vasectomy pain syndrome (PVPS) that is frequently blamed for low libido, BUT it should not be. Low libido is the result of psychological conditions rather than physical.
PVPS has many potential triggers, the main ones are:
- Inflammation;
- Lesions inside the scrotum;
- Nerve problems;
- Fibrosis;
- Pressure in the testicles.
Pain can also occur during ejaculation. However, there’s effective treatment that involves the correct diagnosis and addressing the pain with special meds. The experienced pain always makes it hard to get and maintain erections. If this pain is combined with some psychological ED triggers, it can lead to impotence and low libido or its complete loss.
Stop blaming vasectomy for your erectile dysfunction. It does cause pain in rare cases, yet it never provokes impotence in healthy males. If the first signs of erectile dysfunction are noticed, we insist on having a professional consultation and support. The longer you hide the problem, the more persistent it becomes.