A systematic review evaluating the effects of vasectomy on male and female sexual function and satisfaction

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Himbo

A systematic review synthesized evidence on how vasectomy influences sexual function and satisfaction in both men and women. Searches conducted in January 2024 identified 556 records, with relevance and date filters reducing to 20 studies. Across measured domains, most outcomes showed no objective worsening, while several male parameters and some female domains reported improvement. Results were summarized using instruments such as the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and satisfaction trajectories were categorized by improvement, no change, or deterioration.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

AccessFree to download

Background

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A systematic review evaluating the effects of vasectomy on male and female sexual function and satisfaction Madeline Helm1, Margarita Pipinos1, John Glassman1, Grant Albers1, Christopher M. Deibert2 1College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; 2Division of Urologic Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA Contributions: (I) Conception and design: CM Deibert; (II) Administrative support: None; (III) Provision of study materials or patients: None; (IV) Collection and assembly of data: All authors; (V) Data analysis and interpretation: All authors; (VI) Manuscript writing: All authors; (VII) Final approval of manuscript: All authors. Correspondence to: Madeline Helm, MD, MPH. Division of Urologic Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 200 S 31st Ave, Apt 4713 Omaha, NE 68144, [USA. Email: mhelm@unmc.edu](USA. Email: mhelm@unmc.edu). Background: Vasectomy is currently the most effective option for male contraception. Although it is considered a relatively low-risk procedure, many questions arise amongst patients and their partners regarding potential sexual side effects. There is currently no cohesive piece of literature that addresses the effects of vasectomy on sexual function. This review summarizes the literature evaluating sexual function and satisfaction in males and females post-vasectomy. Methods: A systematic review was performed in January 2024 with the assistance of a reference librarian, utilizing keywords relevant to sexual function and satisfaction. This search yielded 556 records. Exclusions for relevance and publication date yielded twenty records. The results were utilized to determine sexual function and satisfaction post-vasectomy. Results: Five papers (n=553) utilized the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) . The average IIEF scores pre-and post-vasectomy were 65.8 and 67.08, respectively. Male intercourse satisfaction was evaluated in 10 papers (n=1,805), with 3 reporting improvement, 6 reporting no change, and 1 reporting deterioration. Erectile function was evaluated in 9 papers (n=1,800), with 3 reporting improvement and 6 reporting no change. Male sexual desire was evaluated in 13 papers (n=2,611), with 3 reporting improvement and 10 reporting no change. Ejaculatory function was evaluated in 4 papers (n=1,306) with no change. Male orgasmic function was evaluated in 6 papers (n=1,140), with 3 reporting improvement and 3 reporting no change. Male sexual satisfaction was evaluated in 8 papers (n=2,315), with 3 reporting improvement and 5 reporting no change. Female intercourse satisfaction was evaluated in 4 papers (n=631), with 1 reporting improvement and 3 reporting no change. Female sexual desire was evaluated in 3 papers (n=491), with 1 reporting improvement, 1 reporting no change, and 1 reporting deterioration. Female sexual arousal was improved in 2 papers (n=150) . Female lubrication and orgasm were evaluated in 2 papers (n=150), with 1 reporting improvement and 1 reporting no change. Conclusions: This review illustrates that most domains of male and female sexual function are objectively unaffected or improved after vasectomy. Keywords: Vasectomy; sexual function; sexual satisfaction; International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) Submitted Jul 15, 2025. Accepted for publication Nov 06, 2025. Published online Dec 26, 2025. doi: 10.21037/tau-2025-494 View this article at: [https://dx.doi.org/10.21037/tau-2025-494](https://dx.doi.org/10.21037/tau-2025-494) © AME Publishing Company. Transl Androl Urol 2025;14(12):4002-4011 | [https://dx.doi.org/10.21037/tau-2025-494](https://dx.doi.org/10.21037/tau-2025-494) Translational Andrology and Urology, Vol 14, No 12 December 2025 4003 Introduction Vasectomy is currently the most effective option for male contraception and approximately 500,000 vasectomy procedures occur annually in the United States (1,2) . Although it is considered a relativel

FAQs

What was the objective of this systematic review?

To review and summarize existing literature on the impact of vasectomy on male and female sexual function and satisfaction, providing clinicians a reference for counseling patients and partners.

How was the literature search performed?

A systematic review was performed in January 2024 with a reference librarian, using keywords related to sexual function and satisfaction, yielding 556 records before exclusions.

What did the results show about sexual function after vasectomy?

Most measured domains of male and female sexual function were objectively unaffected or improved after vasectomy, with reports generally categorized as improvement, no change, or deterioration across studies.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Himbo