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“Does a vasectomy affect sex drive?”, is one of the many questions that pop into a man’s mind post-vasectomy.
While it’s a common misconception that vasectomy can lower testosterone, the truth is that this procedure has no bearing on sex hormone levels.
One Scientific Reports study found that free testosterone levels, luteinizing hormone (LH), and the testosterone secreting index (TSI) were not statistically different in patients who had a vasectomy compared to those who didn’t.
Vasectomies are generally safe and pose a low risk of complications. Some men may experience side effects after a vasectomy, but this is typically not a long-term problem.
As such, there is no current evidence to suggest that a vasectomy can cause a permanent decrease in testosterone levels.
Let’s learn more about the association between testosterone and vasectomies.
What is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a male hormone produced in the testicles that play a variety of different functions in the body, fromheight to muscle mass.
The regulation of the sex organs is one of testosterone’s most significant duties. It specifically helps to increase libido, or sex drive, in the body.
Aside from that, testosterone is also responsible for the development of secondary male sex characteristics. The amount of testosterone in your body affects your bone density, facial hair mass, and the deepness of your voice.
While many people assume that testosterone is solely a male thing, that’s not true at all! Women can also have testosterone that they produce in their ovaries, though they produce it at much lower levels.
Regardless, having healthy testosterone levels keeps individuals feeling sharp, focused, and full of energy. When a person doesn’t have enough testosterone, their body may suffer from mild to moderate side effects.
Signs of Low Testosterone in Men
There are plenty of signs that a person may be suffering from low testosterone.
The most common symptom is a reduced libido or sex drive. Other than that, patients may deal with a lot of problems, including:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Loss of muscle mass
- Increased body fat
- Decreased bone density
While a vasectomy affects semen production, it doesn’t affect testosterone production. Having a vasectomy won’t automatically mean you’ll come down with low libido.
In fact, many men who have a vasectomy can still have a fulfilling and active sex life. Some even say that sex post-vasectomy was more satisfying than ever before.
However, if a patient suffers from the symptoms above, they’re more likely to experience the effects of low testosterone. In such cases, medical attention may be required to manage low testosterone and deal with these issues.
What is a Vasectomy?
Vasectomy is a surgical birth control procedure that involves severing the vas deferens, the tubes that transport sperm from the testes to the seminal vesicles.
This procedure stops sperm from mixing with the ejaculate and seminal fluid, preventing the risk of an unwanted pregnancy. However, bear in mind that vasectomy reversal is often a very expensive procedure and it’s not always guaranteed to work.
Men who have undergone the vasectomy procedure will still have a healthy sexual function, but they’ll just be sterile. A recent study supports this notion—with male patients claiming to still enjoy sex and having sexual arousal despite a vasectomy.
If you want to undergo a vasectomy, it’s important to weigh each risk factor before undertaking such a decision. Talking with a doctor can help because they are equipped and trained to provide comprehensive medical advice on the matter.
What Are The Risks of a Vasectomy?
A vasectomy is often done on an outpatient basis and patients don’t often report any problems. In some very rare cases, however, people have reported experiencing the following health risks:
- Bleeding or infection at the site of the incision
- Swelling and pain in the scrotum
- Blood in the semen
- Hematoma in the scrotum
- Continued pain in the testicles
- Swelling
- Post vasectomy pain syndrome
- Fluid buildup in testicles
In rare cases, some men may experience sperm granulomas after a vasectomy. These are small lumps that can form near the site of the vasectomy and may cause discomfort.
If you experience any pain or swelling after your vasectomy, contact your doctor.
Common Myths About Vasectomy
We’ve already established that a vasectomy doesn’t affect a man’s testosterone levels.
However, there are still some myths floating around the Internet that can scare people away from an otherwise safe and effective procedure.
Here are some unfounded myths about vasectomy that you should be aware of.
- Vasectomy increases prostate cancer risk. According to a medical review covering 53 studies, no evidence suggests that having a vasectomy causes prostate cancer.
- Vasectomy decreases sexual drive and function. There’s no scientific evidence to support this claim. In fact, some studies suggest that vasectomies may have the opposite effect and improve sexual function.
- Vasectomy causes erectile pain. There’s very little chance of severe erectile pain occurring post-surgery. You may feel discomfort in the first few days following surgery, but it usually passes over time.
- Vasectomy messes with your sex drive. A vasectomy prevents you from ejaculating semen, but it doesn’t affect the hormones that affect your libido. Your reproductive organs won’t be harmed and sexual dysfunction risk is minimal.
With that said, it’s always best to take extra precautions and take care of your organs properly. This all starts by improving your lifestyle and keeping in frequent contact with a medical professional.
How to Improve Testosterone Levels in Men
If you’ve been struggling with low libido or other issues related to low testosterone, you may be wondering if there are ways you can remedy it.
Although there are many pills available online aimed to improve libido, they’re often of dubious quality. It’s best to avoid them.
Instead, consider some of the following natural and clinical methods for improving testosterone levels and gaining sexual satisfaction.
Improve Sleep Quality
For adults, sleeping for at least 7-8 hours per night is critical for feeling rested and rejuvenated.
During REM sleep, your testosterone becomes most active. To get the most out of this crucial time, aim to get deep, uninterrupted sleep.
Exercise Consistently
Exercising not only helps fight cardiovascular disease; it can also be beneficial for testosterone levels.
Experts suggest engaging in physical activity for at least 150 minutes each week for best results.
Lose Excess Weight
Carrying around extra weight, especially in the form of abdominal fat, can be detrimental to testosterone levels.
For those struggling with their weight, losing as little as 5-10% can have a positive impact on testosterone levels and health.
Reduce Stress Levels
Chronic stress can lead to several health issues, including problems with the endocrine system.
To keep stress levels under control and protect testosterone production, it’s important to find healthy coping mechanisms such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
Contact a Men’s Clinic in Atlanta for Medical Guidance to Improve Low Testosterone Levels
Vasectomies have been found to not affect testosterone levels long term.
If you’re struggling with low energy, reigniting sexual passion, or other issues related to low testosterone, consider making lifestyle changes and consulting a men’s clinic for a medical treatment plan.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is an effective way to deal with low sperm production or impaired sexual desire.
The medical professionals at Priority Men’s Medical Center in Atlanta specialize in treating conditions that impact men’s health. Our concierge approach positions your unique case at the centerpoint of our focus. We don’t just give you a pill and send you on your way. We treat the underlying issues that led to conditions such as ED, Low Testosterone, and more. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
