Five common myths about a vasectomy

March 09 2021   |   News

One of the biggest problems we face when men are thinking about a vasectomy is debunking the raft of misinformation that has built up over the years – details of personal experience that have been exaggerated beyond belief or just plain made up for the benefit of an audience purely for effect.

It’s only natural for people to be concerned when they are facing any medical procedure but it’s far better to learn the facts from an expert than listen to someone who knew someone who had a surgical procedure and then relates an embellished story which often has little relation to fact.

Dispelling the myths

A vasectomy is a very personal procedure affecting an area of the body that men are keen to keep functioning at peak performance, so they are often reluctant to pursue surgery, albeit minor, which may have an adverse effect on their sex life.

The truth is a vasectomy is quick, simple, won’t affect sexual performance and provides reassurance for men and their partners of a safe method of birth control. Here are five common myths about having a vasectomy.

Having a vasectomy can be dangerous

A vasectomy is one of the safest minor surgical procedures. There may be some discomfort but any pain is managed through local anaesthetic. A vasectomy takes about 20 minutes, after which the patient can return home and work generally within a couple of days.

A vasectomy creates greater risk of prostate or testicular cancer

Many studies and research have been conducted into the subject. Over the last 30 years or so we have seen some reports linking a vasectomy to a greater risk of cancer but these reports were found to be flawed. There is no evidence to suggest that men who have had a vasectomy are more likely to develop either prostate or testicular cancer.

I won’t be able to have an erection or orgasm after a vasectomy

A vasectomy does not affect the penis, if you were able to have an erection and ejaculate before the surgery, you will be able to carry on in the same way after! The vasectomy simply blocks the tube near the testicles where the sperm travels. So, semen will still be ejected in the same way, just minus the sperm, and the muscles which force the fluid to be ejaculated during orgasm will still function as before – as they, too, are not affected by the vasectomy.

A vasectomy will cause a drop in testosterone levels

Testosterone levels are not affected by a vasectomy. The sperm and testosterone are both created in the testicles but take different routes out from there. Testosterone makes its way through the bloodstream while sperm makes its exit through a tube which the vasectomy now blocks.

It’s easier for a woman to take responsibility than for her partner to have a vasectomy

As we have already discussed, a vasectomy can be carried out quickly, painlessly and requires a very limited recovery time. The necessary surgery for a woman comes with far greater surgical risks, a more invasive medical procedure, more chance of bleeding and infection and must be carried out under general anaesthetic. 

Your questions answered…

If you are considering the pros and cons of having a vasectomy, it’s important to get all your questions answered with the correct information – do get in touch with our team here if you have anything you would like to know.