Can Erectile Dysfunction Occur After Getting A Vasectomy?

What Is A Vasectomy?

Vas deferens is a long tube that carries sperms produced from the testes to the urethra. The urethra is the region through which the sperm gets expelled from the penis during ejaculation.

A vasectomy is one of the best forms of birth control among men which involves cutting and sealing of vas deferens. Hence, men won’t be able to ejaculate sperm during orgasm.

Can Vasectomy Really Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

No.

Impotency otherwise called erectile dysfunction (ED), is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection. People have a major concern that they might become impotent after undergoing vasectomy.

To achieve an erection, you need:

•A nervous system sends the signals from the brain to the penis
•A circulatory system to pump adequate blood to the penis
•The right hormones like testosterone secreted in the right levels
•To be in the right frame of mind psychologically

Cutting the vas deferens won’t interfere with your nervous system, circulatory system, or hormones.

You might have heard that vasectomy interferes with your testosterone level to develop erectile dysfunction. However, this is not true. Even after vasectomy, your testicles will continue to produce testosterone as they are connected to your blood supply.

A vasectomy might have only minor side effects such as pain, bleeding, or bruising. As a result, erectile dysfunction could not be the side effect.

Hence, there is no physical reason why vasectomy causes erectile dysfunction. What about the psychological reason?

How Is Vasectomy Psychologically Connected To Erectile Dysfunction?

There could be a mental connection between vasectomy and erectile dysfunction. If your stress and depression interfere with arousal, you might be more prone to develop erectile dysfunction.

You need to be in the right frame of mind to get an erection. However, several men might have a psychological or emotional reaction to the vasectomy procedure that could develop erectile dysfunction. It is their fear of becoming permanently less masculine which could affect their ability to achieve or maintain an erection.

Anyway, this is a rare reaction that could have developed due to misunderstandings about the effect of vasectomy. Once you understand that the vasectomy will never affect your masculinity or sex life, you will have no problems in getting an erection.

Is There Any Evidence To Prove That Vasectomy Not Connected To Erectile Dysfunction?

Yes.

It is extremely rare to become impotent after undergoing this procedure.

A 2015 study revealed that there was no significant difference between the incidence of impotence among men with or without vasectomy. The nerves involved in erection do not get affected and lead to erectile dysfunction or any other sexual problems after undergoing vasectomy.

In fact, a 2005 research study reported that there was no increased risk of erectile dysfunction following the vasectomy procedure.

On the contrary, you will be surprised to know that vasectomy might improve your sexual function.

A 2017 research article reported that vasectomy does not affect the sexual satisfaction of couples negatively. Males after vasectomy had an improvement in sexual satisfaction, while the female’s satisfaction was not reduced due to their partners’ vasectomy.

Similarly, another 2014 research article revealed that vasectomy is a safe operation where females noticed the best improvement of sexual function, erectile function, and sexual satisfaction in their male partners post vasectomy. Hence, 93% of the males and 96% of their female partners would recommend vasectomy.

What If I Experience Erectile Dysfunction After Undergoing Vasectomy?

As mentioned already, vasectomy does not cause erectile dysfunction. In case you get erectile dysfunction after undergoing vasectomy, the reason might be your psychological reaction to the vasectomy procedure. Or else, it could be an early warning sign that you are developing a medical condition like cardiovascular disease or diabetes.

ED medications such as Viagra (Sildenafil) can take the stress out of achieving and maintaining an erection. These medications are referred to as PED5 inhibitors which help in increasing the blood flow to your penis for erection purposes during arousal.

So, talk to the doctor to understand the cause of erectile dysfunction in your case. 

Here at Noah, experienced doctors on our platform have the right skills to help you evaluate the cause of your erectile dysfunction problem. After hearing your concerns, they will suggest the right treatment or medications that will work for you.

A Word from Noah

Although erectile dysfunction is a common problem, there is no research evidence that proves the occurrence of erectile dysfunction due to vasectomy procedures. Hence, you need not connect vasectomy with erection issues as it is just a method of birth control. 

If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, it is advisable that you consult a doctor. Here at Noah, doctors on our platform are best equipped with the knowledge to help you ascertain the root cause of your erectile dysfunction and can determine whether generic Sildenafil is right for you. They will be able to advise you on the best treatment suited for you, and can also prescribe you the right medication should you need it.