Does a Vasectomy Cause Impotence or Affect Sexuality?

According to IntraHealth International, Inc., vasectomy is the most widely used modern form of contraception in Canada. Even so, many men have concerns about how a vasectomy will affect their sexual health. If you have similar concerns, you should know that vasectomy doesn’t lower your sex drive, nor does it cause impotence. Understanding what happens during a vasectomy in an Ottawa clinic can help you understand why a vasectomy is safe, effective and low-risk.

The Vasectomy Procedure

A vasectomy is an outpatient procedure that is done in the doctor’s office. It takes about 10 minutes. The doctor uses a local anesthesia to numb the skin. The doctor makes a small opening to snip the vas deferens, the tube that carries sperm from the testicle to the urethra. A tiny staple is put in to make sure that the ends of the tubes do not grow back together. No stitches are required. The small opening closes up on its own within a day. Patients go home on the same day of the surgery with a recommendation to rest for a couple of days. You will need to use an alternate form of birth control for about three months to have your sperm analyzed. This is to make sure no sperm is present.

Why a Vasectomy Doesn’t Affect Sexuality

A vasectomy doesn’t change your hormones, nor does it impact your physiology. Your body still produces sperm and testosterone after your vasectomy. Sperm is produced by your testicles. After a vasectomy, instead of going through the vas deferens to the urethra, your body absorbs the sperm. You shouldn’t notice any change in the volume of ejaculate because sperm only makes up about 5% of the total volume of the semen. Semen is produced in the prostate and seminal vesicles, which aren’t affected by the vasectomy. Vasectomy doesn’t interfere with the nerves or blood vessels that cause you to get an erection. Your sex drive will not be negatively affected by your vasectomy. In fact, vasectomy often has a positive effect on sexuality, because there is lower anxiety and reduced chance of an unintended pregnancy.

Gets the Facts from a Leading Vasectomy Clinic in Ottawa

A vasectomy is an effective form of permanent birth control for men who no longer want to have children. It is important to talk to a doctor about your concerns to make sure it’s right for you. Make an appointment with Dr. Bercier’s office for a consultation to get your questions about vasectomy answered.