Search Weight Loss Topics: |
Vasectomy: Effect on testosterone levels and sexual function – Medical News Today


Vasectomy is the medical term for male sterilization. It is a medical procedure that involves cutting or sealing the tubes that carry sperm into seminal fluid, or semen. While this procedure permanently prevents the semen from containing any sperm, it does not affect testosterone levels.
People considering a vasectomy may worry that their testosterone levels, libido, and sexual functioning will decrease following the procedure. However, vasectomy has no effect on testosterone levels or sexual function.
Additionally, evidence suggests that people who undergo the procedure may experience improvements in their sex life.
This article asks whether a vasectomy affects testosterone levels, libido, and sexual functioning. We also outline some potential long-term side effects and health risks of vasectomy and clarify some common myths about the procedure.
A vasectomy is a medical procedure that involves cutting or sealing the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis. This prevents sperm from reaching the seminal fluid, or semen, which a male ejaculates during sex.
Males who have undergone vasectomy will continue to ejaculate semen, but the semen will not contain sperm.
A vasectomy alters the mechanics that make pregnancy possible, but it does not cause biological changes in males. As such, a vasectomy does not affect testosterone levels a 2018 study found that these procedures had no long-term impact on testosterone levels in men.
Hormonal imbalance occurs when the body produces too much or too little of a certain hormone.
No current evidence suggests vasectomies cause hormonal imbalance in males. For example, a 2018 study showed that these procedures do not affect testosterone levels in men.
Some causes of hormonal imbalances in biological males include:
All surgical procedures have the potential to cause side effects, though vasectomies carry a relatively low risk.
Some potential long-term side effects of vasectomy include:
According to a 2021 review, there is no increased risk with vasectomy and the following health conditions:
However, the review concluded that further study with long-term observation is necessary.
In older guidelines, American Urological Association also stated that vasectomy is not a risk factor for:
A person with concerns about the potential short- or long-term side effects of vasectomy can speak with a doctor.
Current evidence does not suggest that vasectomy causes erectile dysfunction or any form of sexual dysfunction.
A 2020 proposed systematic review notes that studies have demonstrated the following improvements in sexual function among males who have undergone a vasectomy:
A vasectomy prevents sperm from entering semen, which a male releases during ejaculation. It does not affect the production of the hormone testosterone, which is responsible for sex drive.
Sperm makes up a very small amount of male ejaculate, so sexual satisfaction should also not decrease.
In fact, according to a 2017 study, biological males who underwent a vasectomy experienced greater sexual satisfaction following the procedure.
In general, medical professionals view vasectomies as relatively low risk procedures. Most people who undergo a vasectomy can:
However, like all procedures, there are risks of short- and long-term side effects.
According to a 2021 review, common short-term side effects include:
The same review notes the following potential long-term complications:
A person considering undergoing a vasectomy may worry about how the procedure will affect their life.
Studies have shown that a persons sex life can actually improve following a vasectomy. Many people who undergo the procedure report increased sexual activity and sexual satisfaction.
However, some people may experience ongoing fears or concerns relating to vasectomy. A 2018 study noted that individuals who have undergone the procedure may benefit from psychological counseling to address these fears and concerns.
There are many rumors surrounding vasectomy, including those relating to the procedure itself, the risks involved, and the changes a vasectomy may bring to a persons life.
Below are some myths and facts associated with vasectomies.
Fact: Recent studies have shown the opposite is true. Most people report having improved libido, and there may also be improved erections and orgasms following the procedure.
Fact: Most people who undergo vasectomy could return to work within 3 days, and most can resume sex and exercise within 12 weeks.
Fact: While vasectomies are the most effective form of birth control, they do not take effect immediately. A couple will need to continue to use other forms of birth control for several months following the procedure and until a doctor confirms the absence of sperm in the semen.
Fact: Though uncommon, a person can have a vasectomy reversal if they change their mind about having children in the future. However, reversals can sometimes fail, so they should only have a vasectomy if they feel confident that they do not want more children.
Vasectomy is a medical procedure that involves cutting or sealing the tubes that carry sperm into semen. The procedure permanently prevents pregnancy.
People considering a vasectomy may worry about the consequences for their sexual function. However, the evidence suggests that vasectomies have no effect on testosterone levels and have a mostly positive effect on sexual function and satisfaction.
Vasectomies also have a low incidence of both short- and long-term health complications, and doctors generally view the procedure as safe and effective in preventing pregnancy.
However, while it is usually possible to reverse a vasectomy, they sometimes fail. As such, a person should only consider a vasectomy if they feel confident that they do not want any further children.
More:
Vasectomy: Effect on testosterone levels and sexual function - Medical News Today
- 15 Foods That Increase Testosterone Levels Naturally - Farr Institute - January 5th, 2023
- Effect of fenugreek extract supplement on testosterone levels ... - PubMed - January 5th, 2023
- Healthline: Medical information and health advice you can trust. - December 28th, 2022
- Biochemistry, Dihydrotestosterone - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - December 28th, 2022
- Exercise, protein metabolism, and muscle growth - PubMed - December 20th, 2022
- Men should know their testosterone levels by age 30 to prevent health issues like weight gain and muscle loss, says top urologist - Yahoo News - October 12th, 2022
- Testosterone: Function, Levels, Testing, and More - Healthgrades - October 12th, 2022
- New study to see whether a skin cream can prevent heart failure in women - Monash University - October 12th, 2022
- The coin theory - Trinidad & Tobago Express Newspapers - October 12th, 2022
- The Emerging Raw Food Movement and the 'Great Reset' GNET - GNET - October 12th, 2022
- Red Boost Reviews Ingredients That Work or Cheap Scam? Chilliwack Progress - Chilliwack Progress - October 12th, 2022
- Fact Check: Have Testosterone Levels Fallen 1% Every Year Since 1980? - Newsweek - September 2nd, 2022
- Larry Wheels Reveals a Physique Update One Month After Getting Off Steroids and On TRT - BarBend - September 2nd, 2022
- Cognition Can Be Boosted in Some Patients With Down Syndrome, Study Finds - ScienceAlert - September 2nd, 2022
- Male Contraception Pills Show Promise And They Have No Major Side Effects - SciTechDaily - September 2nd, 2022
- Why Do I Have 1 to 3 Sharp Little Chin Hairs That Keep Coming Back? - Self - September 2nd, 2022
- The Physical Differences Between Men And Women (It's More Than Just Reproductive Organs) - Evie Magazine - September 2nd, 2022
- Testosterone Information | FDA - August 25th, 2022
- Testosterone therapy for transgender men - PubMed - August 25th, 2022
- TestoPrime Reviews: An Effective Testosterone Booster - The Southern Maryland Chronicle - August 25th, 2022
- What I Learned When I Stopped Testosterone Replacement Therapy |... - Cushing's Disease News - August 25th, 2022
- Larry Wheels Gives Up Steroids, Goes On Testosterone Replacement Therapy - Generation Iron Fitness Network - August 25th, 2022
- Why Are People Icing Their Testicles? - VICE - August 25th, 2022
- How onions improves men's sex drive and health - Pulse Nigeria - August 25th, 2022
- Shulajit Supplements that Help Overall Health and Brain Function - Medical News Bulletin - August 25th, 2022
- SARMs Before And After Results Real SARM Results And Users Review In 2022 - Outlook India - August 25th, 2022
- Explained: Testosterone deficiency & the safety of replacement therapy - The Indian Express - June 10th, 2022
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy Market Research Outlook: 2022, Recent Developments, Growth Opportunities and New Innovations - Digital Journal - June 10th, 2022
- Do You Need Hormone Testing? - Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic - June 10th, 2022
- Kaplan USMLE Step 1: Woman treated with linear doses of a hormone - American Medical Association - June 10th, 2022
- What Is Hormone-Replacement Therapy? - POPSUGAR - June 10th, 2022
- You get 45% more testosterone when you dont masturbate ... - April 3rd, 2022
- Evolution of Androgen Deprivation Therapy | RRU - Dove Medical Press - April 3rd, 2022
- Yes, ashwagandha could have a positive impact on your physical and mental health - WATN - Local 24 - January 18th, 2022
- 'Neighbours' spoilers: Kyle Canning has a honeymoon NIGHTMARE! - What To Watch - January 18th, 2022
- Testosterone for Erection Problems | Choosing Wisely - January 3rd, 2022
- Comprehensive Study on Testosterone Cypionate Market 2021 Industry Demand, Business Opportunity, and Recent Development Analysis by Key Players ... - January 3rd, 2022
- From relationships to the size of your manhood what your finger length says about YOU... - The Sun - January 3rd, 2022
- Recap: Recent Updates in the Treatment of Nonmetastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer - Cancer Network - January 3rd, 2022
- The Places Where Truth Goes To Die - The Dispatch - January 3rd, 2022
- Features of a new corOnavirUs infection course and optioNs therapy DEpending on the andRogenic status (FOUNDER): androgenic status in men with... - January 3rd, 2022
- Perfect Sting had positive test; Holloway appealing - Harnesslink - January 3rd, 2022
- How effective are testosterone pellets: Side effects and ... - December 23rd, 2021
- Erectile dysfunction and testosterone levels prior to COVID-19 disease: What is the relationship? - DocWire News - December 23rd, 2021
- What Is DHEA and How Is It Used? - BarBend - December 23rd, 2021
- College swimming champion Lia Thomas targeted by transphobic rhetoric | TheHill - The Hill - December 23rd, 2021
- A UFC Fighter Explains Why It's Fine to Have Sex Before a Fight - menshealth.com - December 23rd, 2021
- On the tail end of the whitetail season - Hornell Evening Tribune - December 23rd, 2021
- I am a transgender man & I gave birth to a son heres why I think you should stop linking pregnancy with... - The US Sun - December 23rd, 2021
- King Cobra Gummies Reviews (Scam or Legit) - Pros, Cons, Side effects and How It works | HeraldNet.com - The Daily Herald - December 23rd, 2021
- How the rise of testosterone therapy in men was inspired by lizard research with David Crews - DocWire News - December 9th, 2021
- Caster Semenya on Maintaining Dignity and Hope in the Face of Oppression - The New York Times - December 9th, 2021
- Testosterone-squirting big-wave surf icon lambasts Hawaiian contest organisers for calling off prized Triple Crown event in building swell, If you... - December 9th, 2021
- All about testicular cancer - The New Indian Express - December 9th, 2021
- The Best Over-the-Counter Supplements for PCOS Symptoms, According to Experts - New York Magazine - December 9th, 2021
- 5 causes of male infertility - Yahoo News - December 9th, 2021
- New study finds no relationship between beard length and dominance or testosterone levels - PsyPost - November 8th, 2021
- I'm trans and take testosterone. Reddit helps more than my doctor. - Insider - November 8th, 2021
- Statins side effects: The worrisome sexual symptom men need to be aware of - Express - November 8th, 2021
- Portrait of a detransitioner as a young woman - The Economist - November 8th, 2021
- Erectile Dysfunction, Diabetes among 11 Common Health Threats to Men - THISDAY Newspapers - November 8th, 2021
- Researchers probe link between Covid-19 vaccines and myocarditis - Livemint - November 8th, 2021
- Long-term testosterone improves erectile function, reduces mortality in men with hypogonadism and diabetes - Urology Times - October 27th, 2021
- Clarus Therapeutics Announces Two Notices of Allowance for - GlobeNewswire - October 27th, 2021
- Spains former king Juan Carlos injected with female hormones to control his sex drive: Ex-cop - WION - October 27th, 2021
- Testosterone Injectable Market Trend 2021, Growth, Leading Companies with Impact of Covid-19, Business Scenario, Emerging Dynamics, Industry Share and... - October 27th, 2021
- Anatomy texts should show sex as a spectrum to include intersex people - The Conversation AU - October 27th, 2021
- Lipocine Inc. (NASDAQ: LPCN And Antres Pharma signs Exclusive Commercialization Agreement for TLANDO In The US - BP Journal - October 27th, 2021
- 7 Healthy And Natural Ways To Increase Testosterone - Longevity LIVE - Longevity LIVE - August 31st, 2021
- What men really need to know about low 'T' - fox13now.com - August 31st, 2021
- Sex steroid hormones are associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients: Level of sex hormones in severe COVID-19 - DocWire News - August 31st, 2021
- Considering Male Hormone Replacement Therapy To Improve Health - Muncie Voice - August 31st, 2021
- Over 60? Do These Exercises to Build Stronger Muscles, Say Experts | Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That - August 31st, 2021
- TRT for low testosterone: Options, cost, and side effects - Medical News Today - August 17th, 2021
- Optimizing the Diagnostic Accuracy and Treatment Decisions in Men with Testosterone Deficiency - DocWire News - August 17th, 2021
- Keenan: Is your success tied to your testosterone? - Calgary Herald - August 17th, 2021
- Decreased testosterone recovery after androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer - DocWire News - August 17th, 2021
- Katie Compton's Positive Steroid Test and Ban: Here's What We Know - Cyclocross Magazine - August 17th, 2021
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy Market Forecast to 2026 - Global Analysis and COVID-19 Impact by Type, Application and Geography - The Market Writeuo... - August 17th, 2021
- Community Voices: Once again, the Olympics are filled with glory and controversy - SW News Media - August 17th, 2021