Vasectomy is a standard surgical procedure that provides a reliable form of contraception for men. It involves cutting or blocking the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra. By disrupting this pathway, vasectomy prevents sperm from mixing with semen, rendering a man sterile and unable to father children.
Historians and archaeologists found that Egyptians and Mesopotamians developed birth control using honey, acacia leaves, and lint. Fast forward to the digital era, medical science has progressed to newer advancements.
Since vasectomy deals with a sensitive area of the body, people often have a lot of apprehensions, confusion, and doubts regarding the procedure. Often they originate from various misconceptions and myths about vasectomy. What’s scarier is that these misconceptions also compel people to opt out of the treatment! That’s why here we strive to debunk popular myths and facts about vasectomy for a better understanding of vasectomy.
So, let’s get to it.
Vasectomy Myth #1:- Vasectomy Reduces Your Sexual Drive and Feelings
Fact: Vasectomy will not affect your sex life at all. There is no scientific evidence to back this myth about vasectomy. The vasectomy procedure is plain & straightforward - it blocks the sperm-carrying tubes (vas deferens). It in no way alters hormone generation or sensual urges.
Some experts claim that sex becomes even more pleasurable after the treatment because you’re no longer worried about accidental pregnancies.
Let’s move on to the following myths and facts about vasectomy.
Vasectomy Myth #2:- Vasectomy is a Painful and Complicated Treatment.
Fact: While the surgeon might need to make a tiny incision during the treatment, the complications are minimal to none. This myth and fact about vasectomy is better understood according to the fact that non-invasive procedures are also available, which are relatively simple and safe.
The surgery (invasive or non-invasive) is carried out under local anaesthesia. This treatment has minimal risk of bleeding, constant pain, or infection and usually, you can go back to your daily routine within 3-7 days after the surgery.
Vasectomy Myth #3:- Vasectomy Can be Reversed
Fact: It's crucial to debunk the myth that vasectomy can always be reversed and emphasise the permanent nature of the procedure. Men considering a vasectomy should thoroughly discuss the implications, potential risks, and long-term consequences with a qualified healthcare provider to make an informed decision.
This myth about vasectomy has been debunked with available facts on the success rates. There are various surgical procedures available that offer promising results. However, the success rate of a vasectomy reversal depends on how much time has passed since the initial vasectomy, external injuries, muscle stress, and accidents.
Vasectomy Myth #4:- Vasectomy Affects Testosterone Production
Fact: This myth about vasectomy has also come up in the first pointer! But here, we’ll be a bit more specific. You’d already know that vasectomy is a simple procedure that blocks the sperm from reaching the semen. This in no way disturbs hormonal production in the body.
Once again, the science undercuts this popular myth and upholds the fact about vasectomy in the white light! It also doesn’t impact ejaculation. Your testes will continue to produce hormones as before vasectomy.
Vasectomy Myth #5:- Vasectomy Offers Instant Birth Control
Fact: There is a common myth that vasectomy negatively impacts testosterone production in men. However, this belief is not supported by scientific evidence. Vasectomy involves cutting or blocking the vas deferens, the tube responsible for transporting sperm, but it does not interfere with the production or release of testosterone.
Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, is produced in the testicles by Leydig cells. These cells are not affected by the vasectomy procedure. The sperm and testosterone production pathways are separate, and cutting or blocking the vas deferens does not disrupt the body's production or circulation of testosterone.
Vasectomy Myth #6:- Vasectomy Causes Prostate Cancer
Fact: extensive research and scientific evidence have consistently refuted this claim. Numerous large-scale studies conducted over the years have found no significant association between vasectomy and an increased risk of prostate cancer.
Scientists worldwide have continued to list myths and facts about vasectomy, suggesting no link between the two. Other studies have reported similar findings, including those published in prestigious journals like the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Vasectomy Myth #7- Vasectomy Leads to Erectile Disorder
Fact: Erections occur because of increased blood flow to the penis, and vasectomy procedures don’t deal with those veins in the penis. Vasectomy does not directly impact a man's ability to achieve or maintain an erection.
Vasectomy only involves blocking or cutting the vas deferens, the tube responsible for transporting sperm. It does not interfere with the blood flow or the nerves that are essential for the erectile process. Therefore, there is no physiological reason for vasectomy to cause erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by factors unrelated to vasectomy, such as age, stress, hormonal imbalances, certain medications, or underlying health conditions. It is essential to differentiate between correlation and causation.
Popular Types of Vasectomy Available in India
Now you know everything there is to know about misconceptions about birth control for men, it’s time to let you know the different kinds of vasectomies available. So, let’s know them too:-
No-scalpel Vasectomy:- It’s a non-invasive vasectomy where the vas deferens (sperm-carrying tubes) are clenched with a clamp from the outside of the scrotum, and a needle is applied to make a tiny hole in the scrotum for access to the ducts. It’s also referred to as laser vasectomy.
Bilateral Vasectomy:- This invasive procedure involves removing small tubes of each vas deferens that carry sperm from your testicles. This blocks sperm from getting mixed up with the semen.
Reversible Vasectomy:- In this procedure, a surgeon links back each tube (vas deferens) that carries sperm from a testicle into the semen.
PVPS Vasectomy Treatment:- PVPS consists of chronic pain in one or both testicles three months after the procedure. There are different kinds of tests, from urine, blood, ultrasound, sexually transmitted infections, and MRIs, to diagnose the patient.
Visit Jain Multispeciality Hospital for Most-Effective Vasectomy
By listing crystal clear myths and facts about vasectomy, we hope you can make informed decisions about your reproductive health. The same holds in the case of vasectomy procedures. Please feel free to reach out or contact Jain Multispeciality Hospital for the best pre & post-operative care regarding vasectomy. Our urologists and healthcare staff are well-trained & equipped to ensure the best care for all your needs related to the treatment.