I’m Considering a Vasectomy. Will It Lower My Testosterone?
- By Rebekah Harding
- Fact-checked by Joy Ferguson
- June 6, 2023
D
one having kids? If you’re considering a vasectomy, you’re in good company. Over 500,000 men in the United States opt for this mostly permanent sterilization procedure each year. 95 percent of vasectomy reversals are effective if it was performed in the last 10 years, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Vasectomies work by surgically severing the inner connection (either by cutting, burning or blocking) the tube between your penis and your testicles. This prevents sperm from entering your semen. You can still ejaculate after the procedure, but you’ll be shooting blanks.
But some guys are second guessing this fertility decision based on a rumor swirling around that getting a vasectomy could cause low testosterone and negatively impact their sexual health. Board-certified urologist and genital reconstruction specialist Amy Pearlman, M.D., explains why this fear isn’t justified.
Does a Vasectomy Lower Testosterone?
It’s not far-fetched for you to worry about your T levels after a surgery that operates so close to the family jewels. But you don’t need to worry. Research shows that there is no impact on testosterone levels in men who’ve had a vasectomy (1).
“When counseling my patients on the risks and benefits of vasectomy, I make sure they understand that vasectomy has not been shown to affect testosterone levels,” says Pearlman.
“Even though a vasectomy is performed on a structure very near and dear to the testicles (the vas deferens), this procedure is not performed on the testicles themselves,” Pearlman says. “By cutting, clipping, or removing a segment of the plumbing that transports sperm away from the testicles, the only function affected is the transport of sperm.”
The average age men get a vasectomy is around 35 (2), which is about the same age that testosterone levels naturally begin to decline.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of low T, like fatigue, decreasing libido, and weight gain, treatment options like testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may be an option.
“I do see a lot of men in my clinic at Prime Institute with low testosterone concerns,” Pearlman says. “Fortunately, there are many options to treat men with low testosterone and erectile dysfunction at any time—before and/or after their vasectomy. A vasectomy doesn’t impact our ability to treat either condition.”
Can a Vasectomy Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
“No need to worry about [your] vasectomy negatively impacting sexual function,” Pearlman says.
After a short healing period when you’ll have to be abstinent, your penis should function normally—or better. In a 2017 survey of 294 German couples, vasectomized men reported vastly stronger erections and orgasms (3).
“This procedure does not involve any nerve or blood vessel going to the penis,” Pearlman explains. “And because the bulk of semen is produced by the prostate and seminal vesicles, and only a very small amount is from the testicles themselves, ejaculate volume (an important part of the sexual experience for many men) should not change after vasectomy.”
A recent review identified studies where men garnered benefits like increased frequency of sexual intercourse, improved libido, and boosted satisfaction of female partners after a vasectomy (4). Plus, some men reported confidence and mental relief from ruling out unplanned pregnancies.
Hone’s at-home testosterone assessment is the simplest way to uncover whether your levels are low. If you qualify for treatment, TRT can be sent right to your door.
References
1. Zhao, et al (2018). Long-term safety, health and mental status in men with vasectomy.
2. White, et al (2020). Men’s Vasectomy Knowledge, Attitudes, and Information-Seeking Behaviors in the Southern United States: Results From an Exploratory Survey.
3. Engl, et al (2017). Impact of vasectomy on the sexual satisfaction of couples: experience from a specialized clinic.
4. Yang, et al (2021). Review of Vasectomy Complications and Safety Concerns.
