A vasectomy serves as a permanent form of male contraception, effectively preventing pregnancy. A common query is whether ejaculation continues afterward. The answer is yes; ejaculation remains, and orgasm sensation largely feels the same.
Ejaculation Continues After Vasectomy
A vasectomy involves blocking the vas deferens, the tubes transporting sperm from the testicles. This procedure does not affect the production of seminal fluid, the vast majority of the ejaculate’s volume. Seminal fluid is primarily produced by the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland, not the testicles.
The smooth muscles within the reproductive system still contract during sexual arousal and orgasm, propelling these fluids through the urethra and out of the penis. Consequently, the physical sensation of ejaculation and orgasm remains unchanged for most individuals. The procedure specifically targets sperm transport, leaving other aspects of sexual function, including hormone levels and the ability to achieve an erection, unaffected.
What Changes in Semen
The primary change in semen after a vasectomy is the absence of sperm. Sperm contribute a very small percentage to the overall volume of semen, typically less than 5%. This minimal contribution is why the visual appearance, volume, and consistency of the ejaculate remain virtually identical to what they were before the procedure.
Even after a vasectomy, the body continues to produce sperm in the testicles. With the vas deferens blocked, these sperm cannot exit the body. Instead, the body naturally reabsorbs the sperm, a continuous process, even in individuals without a vasectomy or who are sexually inactive. This reabsorption is a natural, harmless process; specialized cells break down unused sperm, preventing buildup.
Achieving Sterility and Resuming Sexual Activity
Sterility following a vasectomy is not immediate because residual sperm can remain in the vas deferens beyond the blocked section. Time and ejaculations are needed to clear remaining sperm from the reproductive system. Healthcare providers advise using contraception until a post-vasectomy semen analysis (PVSA) confirms sperm absence.
Typically, a PVSA is performed around 8 to 16 weeks after the procedure, or after approximately 20 to 30 ejaculations. This semen analysis confirms azoospermia (complete absence of sperm) or only rare, non-motile sperm. If sperm are still detected, further testing and continued contraception are recommended until sterility is confirmed.