A vasectomy is a standard, minimally-invasive outpatient surgical procedure that blocks sperm from entering a man’s seminal fluid by cutting and sealing the tubes that carry them. Sperm cells stay in the testicles and are ultimately absorbed by the man’s body.
Approximately half a million vasectomies are performed each year and are a highly effective form of male birth control. Vasectomies are nearly 100 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. (We should emphasize here that it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.)
While many men know what a vasectomy does, they may not have all of the correct information. There are many myths surrounding this procedure that can be easily debunked
Let’s take a look at four of the most common ones.
Myth #1: A Vasectomy Will Negatively Affect Sexual Performance
Patients often mistakenly believe that a vasectomy will reduce the production of testosterone (a steroid hormone made in the testicles that is released into the bloodstream and is partially responsible for sexual awareness and arousability in men).
Lower testosterone means lower libido, right?
The fact is, a vasectomy has very little to do with testosterone. After the procedure, a man continues to produce normal testosterone levels, just as for a man who hasn’t had a vasectomy.
Many men report they prefer not wearing a condom and that their level of satisfaction after having a vasectomy is much higher.
Myth #2: It Will Permanently Damage Sexual Organs
This surgical treatment focuses on the vas deferens, a muscular tube between the epididymis and the pelvic cavity. (The epididymis is a long, coiled tube that sits on the backside of each testicle, which carries and stores sperm cells made in the testicles.)
No sexual organs or tissue are involved in the operation. Therefore, the risk of damage to the testicles, penis, or other parts of the reproductive system is very low, and the procedure also has a low risk of complications or side effects.
An obvious note, but one that bears repeating, is that men should be confident in the skill and experience of their doctor. (In very rare cases, patients have had to have a testicle removed due to loss of blood supply after a botched vasectomy.)
Myth #3: A Vasectomy Increases the Risk of Cancer or Heart Disease
The fact is, no proof exists of causality between vasectomies and cancer or heart disease.
According to the world-class, multi-specialty academic medical center, Cleveland Clinic:
“Many studies have looked at the long-term health effects of vasectomy. The evidence suggests that no significant risks exist. Men who have had a vasectomy are no more likely than other men to develop cancer, heart disease, or other health problems. This is spelled out in the Vasectomy Guideline of the American Urological Association.”
If you still have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your doctor.
Myth #4: It is Very Painful
The procedure itself should be close to painless.
Vasectomies are most often performed using either local anesthesia or “twilight” anesthesia.
In the case of local anesthesia, pain-blocking medicine is administered to the scrotum before the procedure. Patients may feel a pulling or tugging sensation, but any discomfort should be very mild.
If you are particularly nervous about having a vasectomy, ask your doctor if full sedation might be the right option for you.
For a few days post-surgery, you may have some bruising and/or swelling, but the pain should be relatively mild and alleviated with over-the-counter pain medication, wearing tight-fitting underwear to support the testicles, or icing the area.
Consulting an Expert
If you are considering a vasectomy, we urge you to research and avoid falling victim to myths about the procedure.
The highly skilled physicians at Norman Urology are experts in the field of male reproductive medicine and have vast experience performing vasectomies.
If you have questions, why not schedule a consultation with us today?