Vasectomy is a common and effective form of male contraception, but many men worry: Does a vasectomy cause erectile dysfunction (ED)? Despite persistent rumours, the latest scientific research suggests these fears are unfounded. In fact, vasectomy may correlate with better sexual satisfaction in many men.
Understanding Erectile Dysfunction After Vasectomy
Where Does This Fear Come From?
A vasectomy severs or blocks the vas deferens to prevent sperm from entering semen. The testes continue producing testosterone and sperm, and the body absorbs unused sperm naturally. No nerves or blood vessels vital to erections are cut.
Despite this, some men express concern — often fuelled by misinformation online or rare complications — that vasectomy has harmed their sex life.
What a 2024 Huge Study On This Subject Showed
This is a very powerful study as to the large sample size (5000+ men)
Jahnen et al. (2024) studied 5,425 men aged 50. They found:
- ED rates were lower in vasectomised men (12.1% vs 20.1%).
- Higher sexual satisfaction in vasectomised men (55.2% vs 44.0%).
- More sexual activity in the last 3 months (93.0% vs 83.2%).
“Vasectomy was significantly associated with a decreased risk of ED” – Jahnen et al., 2024
This was a very powerful study as it involved so many men, many times more powerful than any existing study so far
So Why Do Men Rarely Report ED After Vasectomy?
1. Psychological Stress
Stress or uncertainty about the procedure can trigger performance anxiety and temporary ED — not caused by the vasectomy itself.
Please also read my article on why not to have a vasectomy
2. Rare Complications
Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome (PVPS) can according to the AUA occur in 1–2% of men although a huge audit by the British ASPC shows a risk of only 0.2%, causing discomfort that may affect sexual function. It is uncommon and is mostly treatable although in very few men reversal or a denervation procedure are the only options remaining. Please note that in the US the most common method uses fascial interposition which is usually carried out using titanium clips, absorbable or non-absorbable sutures while the method in the UK is mostly open ended without the use of fascial interposition (source ASPC, over 85%). While the UK may have higher failure rates than in the US the difference in method may also reduce the amount of post vasectomy pain.
3. Coincidence
Vasectomy is usually performed around age 40–50, which overlaps with the natural rise in ED prevalence. Correlation ≠ causation.
What About Libido?
This largest study I have ever come across reported no reduction in libido. Jahnen et al. even found higher sexual desire and satisfaction.
Conclusion
The best available evidence shows:
- Vasectomy does not cause erectile dysfunction.
- Sexual performance may even be higher in vasectomised men than in non vasectomised men
- Side effects can sometimes cause erectile disfunction, but can often be treated and are often temporary.
- Persistent pain and psychological factors could cause erectile dysfunction, but are fortunately uncommon.
- In the large majority of cases vasectomy does not change sexual performance and improves satisfaction
- In a not insignificant minority of cases improves sexual confidence, performance and satisfaction.
- ED, if it occurs, is likely due to anxiety, unrelated conditions, or very rare complications.
With good pre-operative counselling and excellent surgical technique, men can be confident that vasectomy is very unlikely to harm — and much more likely to enhance — their sexual health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my partner notice a difference?
No. Your partner is very unlikely to notice a difference
Will I still ejaculate the same after a vasectomy?
Yes. The only change is that the semen no longer contains sperm. Volume is slightly reduced by 3%, which really cannot be noticed and sensation remains the same.
Does vasectomy cause premature ejaculation
No, In fact, many men feel more sexually relaxed and confident afterwards.
What if I change my mind?
Vasectomy reversal is possible but not guaranteed. It is 10x more expensive than vasectomy, but many men have had successful reversals.