A vasectomy is a common procedure for permanent male contraception. The surgery involves cutting or sealing the two tubes known as the vas deferens, which are the pathways that transport sperm from the testes, preventing sperm from reaching the ejaculate. A frequent concern for men considering this procedure is whether the physical experience of ejaculation will change. While the fluid’s composition is altered, the sensation, mechanism, volume, and visual appearance of the ejaculate remain virtually the same.
The Sensation and Mechanics of Orgasm
The feeling of pleasure during an orgasm and the physical act of ejaculation are controlled by nerve pathways and muscular contractions separate from the vas deferens. These tubes are simply a transport system for sperm and do not contain the nerves responsible for sexual sensation. Therefore, the sensory input that leads to climax is not affected by the procedure. The intensity of the climax and the muscular contractions of the pelvic floor that propel the fluid remain unchanged after a vasectomy. The procedure also does not interfere with the production or circulation of testosterone, meaning libido and the ability to achieve an erection are preserved.
Ejaculate Volume and Visual Appearance
A common concern is that the amount of fluid released will decrease significantly, leading to a “dry” orgasm. However, sperm cells and the small amount of fluid from the testes constitute only 2 to 5 percent of the total ejaculate volume. The vast majority of the fluid comes from other glands located beyond the point of the vasectomy. The seminal vesicles contribute about 65 to 75 percent of the fluid, while the prostate gland adds another 25 to 30 percent. Since the vasectomy does not affect these major fluid-producing glands, the total volume and consistency of the ejaculate do not noticeably change. To the naked eye, the semen looks, feels, and tastes identical to what it was before the procedure.
Compositional Changes and Sterility
The one fundamental alteration is the absence of sperm in the fluid, which is the procedure’s goal. After the vas deferens are blocked, the sperm produced by the testes can no longer travel into the urethra to mix with the seminal fluid. The testes continue to produce sperm cells, but the body has a natural process for dealing with them. These unused sperm are simply absorbed by the body in the epididymis and surrounding tissues, a process that occurs naturally even if ejaculation is infrequent. This reabsorption is managed by specialized cells and causes no adverse health effects. The distinction between the physical act of ejaculation and fertility is important, as the fluid is still expelled, but it is no longer capable of causing pregnancy.
Achieving Sterility
Sterility is not immediate because residual sperm remain in the reproductive tract beyond the blocked section of the vas deferens. Other forms of contraception must be used until the success of the procedure is confirmed through a post-vasectomy semen analysis (PVSA). This testing usually requires the patient to have had at least 20 ejaculations and wait approximately 8 to 16 weeks post-procedure. The procedure is considered successful when the semen sample shows azoospermia, meaning no sperm are present, or only a very low number of non-motile sperm are found.