Question

A couple is considering vasectomy as a contraception option. However, the husband is nervous about how such a procedure would affect his sexual functioning. Which information should the nurse mention to the man?

a) Vasectomy may cause erectile dysfunction.
b) Vasectomy decreases libido.
c) Vasectomy does not affect sexual functioning.
d) Vasectomy increases sexual pleasure.

Answer 1

A vasectomy does not affect sexual functioning; it involves cutting or sealing the vas deferens, preventing sperm from being present in the ejaculate but not altering sexual response (c).

Step-by-step explanation:

The husband's concern about vasectomy affecting sexual functioning is a common one. It's important to clarify that a vasectomy is a form of male sterilization wherein the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra, are cut or sealed. This surgery does not interfere with sexual functions such as erection and libido. After a vasectomy, men will still ejaculate semen, but this semen will not contain sperm, as sperm production continues but sperm are reabsorbed by the body.

As such, the correct information the nurse should mention to the man is that vasectomy does not affect sexual functioning. This is because a vasectomy does not involve any structures that would impact the physiological processes responsible for sexual arousal or orgasm.