'Vasectomies do not affect erections or sexual pleasure' - Doctor

Medical practitioner Dr (Med) Akua Gyenimaa Mills Danso has debunked fears that vasectomies reduce men’s sex drives or impair their ability to get and maintain an erection.

Speaking in an interview with The Mirror, she stressed that a vasectomy has no negative impact on a man’s sexual performance, desire, or enjoyment.

“There is very little evidence of any significant long-term side effects. Vasectomy does not cause cancer, does not make you impotent, and does not reduce sexual strength or pleasure. You can enjoy sex the same way you used to,” she explained.

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What a Vasectomy is

A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure in which the vas deferens, the tubes that transport sperm from the testes, are cut or sealed. This prevents sperm from mixing with semen during ejaculation, making pregnancy impossible. Men still ejaculate normally; the semen simply contains no sperm.

The procedure typically lasts about 30 minutes, and doctors may provide pain medication or scrotal support to ease discomfort.

Sex life after vasectomy

According to Dr Mills Danso, men can resume normal physical activities, including sex, within a week.

“You can enjoy sex the same way you used to, even after the procedure,” she stated.

However, she cautioned that vasectomy does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

“A vasectomy does not protect you against HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). It only prevents pregnancy, so be sure to use condoms to prevent and protect against the spread of STIs,” she noted.

Recovery and follow-up

“Healing is quick because the incision is small. By the third day, you can see visible progress,” Dr Mills Danso said.

After the procedure, couples are advised to use condoms for at least three months.

“After that period, we ask you to do a semen analysis test so we can confirm that there are no active sperm in the semen. Once the results show that you are completely cleared, you can continue having sex without worrying about pregnancy,” she explained.

World Vasectomy Day

World Vasectomy Day is marked annually on the third Friday of November. This year’s commemoration fell on November 21, 2025.

The initiative encourages men to take active roles in family planning, highlighting vasectomy as a safe, simple, and effective method while promoting shared responsibility in reproductive health.

ID/MA