The Effect of Vasectomy on the Sexual Life of Couples

Abstract

Introduction There are several contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy, reversible as well as nonreversible ones. The sexual satisfaction of couples is affected by many types of contraceptives used. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate prospectively the effect of vasectomy on the sexual life and satisfaction of couples. Methods Seventy-six couples took part in this evaluation and filled out respective questionnaires before and after vasectomy. All the questionnaires were evaluated statistically for differences in the respective sexual domain scores. Main Outcome Measures Standardized questionnaires were used. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) as well as postoperative pain score were completed by men. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was completed by the female partner. For statistical analysis, the T-Square Test was used. Results The average age of couples, who chose the vasectomy procedure, was 37 years for women and 39 years for men. The contraception method most frequently used prior to the vasectomy was the birth control pill. For the male partner, the IIEF showed no significant change in the respective domains. Out of the 76 couples, 93% of the males and 96% of their female partners would recommend and do vasectomy again. The postoperative pain score was 3.5 on 0–10 scale, and there were no postoperative complications reported. The best improvement of the sexual function was noticed for the female partners. The FSFI showed a significant improvement in the domains desire (P < 0.05), arousal (P < 0.05), orgasm (P < 0.05), lubrication (P < 0.05), and satisfaction (P < 0.05). Conclusion This is the first report to our very best knowledge that showed the positive impact of vasectomy on sexual satisfaction of couples. Vasectomy is a safe operation with minimal complication rates.

Relationship between Vasectomy and Sexual Frequency

“…This was illustrated in an Austrian study of 76 couples who were subjected to validated surveys about male and female sexual function following vasectomy. While there was no change in the sexual desire domain in men, there was a statistically significant increase in women (6.6 vs. 7.6, P < 0.05) [14]. One explanation could be increased libido in women who have ceased oral contraceptive (OCT) use following their partner's vasectomy, as OCTs have been associated with decreased female libido [18].…”

“…While it is true that post‐vasectomy erectile dysfunction has been reported, this has been largely attributed to psychologic rather than physiologic factors [11]. Moreover, multiple studies have explored the impact of vasectomy on subsequent male sexual function and satisfaction and found unchanged or improved sexual function with high satisfaction rates [12–14].…”

Vasectomy and male sexual dysfunction risk

“…[ 17 – 19 ] Several studies undertaken in recent years have also confirmed that men after undergoing a vasectomy experience markedly improved erectile function, orgasms, and sexual satisfaction and feel safer and more confident in their sexual lives after surgery. [ 8 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 20 ] Their female partners reported marked improvements in terms of sexual arousal, satisfaction, and orgasm, as well as lubrication and libido. In addition, Guo et al [ 9 ] showed that men who had undergone a vasectomy experienced more instances of sexual contact per month than men who had not undergone a vasectomy.…”

“…[ 6 ] A massive number of studies have shown that vasectomy did not affect male sexual function, and interestingly, had a positive effect on the sexual function of the female partners. [ 8 ] A key factor may be the anxiety of women about unwanted pregnancies was reduced, and women's libido improved somewhat, and they were more willing to cooperate with men in sex. [ 9 ]…”

Talking about male body-based contraceptives: The counseling visit and the feminization of contraception

“…condoms, withdrawal, and vasectomy) and, as such, hold the potential to disrupt notions of the feminized responsibility for contraception. This oversight is particularly consequential because male body-based methods are widely used (Higgins et al, 2014; Jones, Lindberg, & Higgins, 2014), have high rates of satisfaction (Al-Ali et al, 2014), and/or are very effective in preventing pregnancy (Trussell, 2011). They also each have features that many women report as extremely important to them in a contraceptive method (Lessard et al, 2012).…”