Erectile Dysfunction After Vasectomy

Overview

Vasectomy is the medical term used to describe male sterilization. It is a medical procedure where the tubes that carry sperm into the semen, the vas deferens, are cut and sealed. While this procedure prevents the semen from containing any sperm, it, however, does not affect testosterone levels.

Vasectomy is one of the most reliable forms of birth control, as even though the man can still ejaculate, the semen does not contain any sperm cells. However, it is important to note that the birth control effects of vasectomy are not immediate as there may still be sperm cells in the vas deferens for some time after the procedure. Vasectomy is a fairly common procedure, and it is also a quick procedure. While there is a recovery period after the surgery, the individual can still be able to carry out normal activities and have normal sex within a week or two after the surgery.

Methods used in vasectomy procedure

Vasectomy is a fast and generally non-invasive surgical procedure that is relatively painless. It is a process that does not require hospitalization, and the patient usually returns home the same day. There are two main ways of carrying out a vasectomy surgery:

• Conventional vasectomy – the scrotum is first numbed with a local anesthetic agent. Two small cuts are then made in the skin on each side of the scrotum in order to get to the vas deferens. They are then cut, and a small section is removed. The ends of the tubes are then closed, which can be done by tying or cauterization. The cuts are then closed using dissolvable suture materials.
• No-scalpel vasectomy – the scrotum is first numbed with a local anesthetic agent. A tiny puncture is made in the skin of the scrotum to reach the vas deferens. The tubes are then closed as in the conventional vasectomy method. As there are no cuts, there is little bleeding and no stitching with this procedure. It is also thought to be less painful and less likely to cause any complications than in a conventional vasectomy.

Both of these methods are very effective in stopping sperm from being ejaculated from the penis. They, however, have no known effect on the patho-mechanism that causes an individual to get and maintain an erection.

Vasectomy and Erectile Dysfunction

Hormonal imbalance and the absence of the male hormone testosterone have been implicated in the lack of libido and erectile imbalance in males. It occurs when the body produces too little or too much of a certain hormone. No evidence suggests that vasectomy precipitates this hormonal imbalance; some causes of hormonal imbalance include:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Chronic stress
• Testicular issues
• Long-term steroid use
• Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
• Lack of exercise

Erections depend on various factors, the first and chief being sexual arousal. Arousal is the signal that alerts the brain to send signals to the nerves in the penis. These nerves then act on the soft tissues of the penis and then cause them to relax. The second main factor is blood flow, particularly the flow of blood into the erectile tissue of the penis. 

As blood flows to fill the spongy tissue of the penis, the surrounding membrane contracts, trapping the blood inside these tissues. None of these processes is affected by vasectomy. The first largely depends on the mood and the attraction of the male to their partner, and it is psychological. The second is physical and depends mainly on the state of health of the individual. It is affected by factors such as cardiovascular health, body mass, the overall state of health, and the ease with which blood flows into the penis. 

Research has found that men who get vasectomy rarely report erectile dysfunction as a side effect. In fact, in some cases, it has been found that vasectomy has a positive impact on sexual function in men with no risk of erectile dysfunction following the procedure.  

What are the causes of erectile dysfunction?

There are several different factors that can cause erectile dysfunction, and it has been established that vasectomy is not one of them. These factors range from diseases to medication to behavioral and psychological changes.

Medications that may lead to erectile dysfunction include:

• Steroid abuse
• Ulcer medication
• Tranquilizers
• Blood pressure medication
• Antidepressants

Some diseases that can cause erectile dysfunction include:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Chronic kidney disease
• Cardiovascular health issues
• Injuries to the prostate or testes
• Injuries to the penis, prostate, pelvis, bladder, and spinal cord

Behavioral factors that can lead to erectile dysfunction include:

• Alcohol consumption
• Tobacco smoking
• Lack of exercise
• Illicit drug use

Some psychological factors that can cause erectile dysfunction:

• Depression
• Stress
• Low self-esteem
• Anxiety

What are the complications of a vasectomy procedure?

All surgical procedures have the potential to cause complications; vasectomy procedures also have side effects, though with a very low possibility of occurrence. Some of the potential long-term side effects of vasectomy include:

• Sterilization failure
• Chronic pain syndrome
• Sperm granuloma

Some of the short-term side effects of vasectomy include:

• Pain or some discomfort following the procedure
• Infection of the surgical site
• Bruising around the surgical site

What to expect after vasectomy?

An individual about to undergo a vasectomy usually worries about how the procedure will impact their life. Many studies have shown that instead of vasectomy affecting an individual negatively, it actually has the opposite effect. Many people who undergo the procedure report an increase in sexual activity and sexual satisfaction. It is suggested that individuals that have undergone the procedure and have ongoing fear or concerns relating to vasectomy may benefit from physical counseling in order to address these fears and concerns.