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The Risks & Complications
Vasectomy is a safe, simple and effective birth control
method.
What are the general risks?
Any surgical procedure carries some risk, but vasectomy is considered to be low-risk, and complications are uncommon. It is important to note that vasectomy should be considered a permanent form of birth control, and it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or AIDS.
Discuss any concerns and risks associated with vasectomy with your physician. The following is a list of most, but not all, of the risk issues to consider.
Allergic Reaction Rarely, some men may experience itching and hives, as an allergic reaction to local anesthetic.
Antibodies Sperm which are no longer released through ejaculation and absorbed by the body may attract antibodies produced following vasectomy.
Bleeding Generally painless bleeding may occur following vasectomy and collect under the skin, so that the penis and scrotum appear bruised and/or swollen. The scrotum skin is very thin, which may make bruising appear worse than it looks and is a normal reaction after vasectomy.
Chronic Orchialagia Rarely; the patient may experience
a dull ache in the testicles following vasectomy that is thought to be caused
if the epididymis becomes congested with dead sperm and fluid. If this condition
occurs, it usually disappears within six months.
Congestion A common name for chronic orchialgia (see above).
Epididymitis This uncommon condition occurs when the larger tube behind the testicle, connected to the vas, becomes inflamed and swollen. The application of heat and the use of anti-inflammatory medication usually clear this up within a week.
Failure Pregnancy may result if a man fails to abstain from sex or use alternative forms of birth control during the waiting period, until the testing for live sperm is completed. There is also one chance in 10 thousand that the cut vas will spontaneously rejoin.
Hematoma Bleeding inside the scrotum rarely may cause painful swelling immediately following a vasectomy. The result is known as a hematoma, and while seldom serious, it should be reported to a physician.
Immune Reactions Following vasectomy, the immune
system may recognize the absorbed sperm cells as foreign proteins and produce
antibodies in response. While many men may experience this immune reaction,
current evidence indicates that this reaction generally is not harmful. Immune
reactions can also contribute to the development of clogging of arteries, which
in turn could lead to heart attacks. However, there is no evidence of an increased
risk of atherosclerosis because of a vasectomy.
According to the National Institutes of Health, research that examined this
issue found no evidence that vasectomized men were more likely than others to
develop heart disease or any other immune illness. (NIH
Publication Number 96-4094, April 1996)
Infection If blood collects under the skin following vasectomy, it can become infected. Infection of the incision site, or deeper tissue, occurs in less than 5 percent of all cases. Such infections usually respond favorably to antibiotic treatment, antimicrobial creams and hot baths, usually within a week.
Postoperative Pain Some degree of scrotal pain or ache is normal following a vasectomy. The use of acetaminophen (Tylenol), with or without codeine frequently is recommended over aspirin, which can cause bleeding. Painful discomfort normally disappears within a day or two, while a slight ache may remain longer.
Prostate and Testicular Cancer There is no known increased risk of testicular cancer following vasectomy. While experts do not agree regarding any association between prostate cancer before and after vasectomy, physicians do agree that all men over the age of 50 should have regular prostate examinations and PSA blood testing.
Sexual Difficulties It is usually reported that men who undergo vasectomy and their partners express greater enjoyment and spontaneity of sex. However, occasionally a man may experience sexual problems after vasectomy, but these almost always have an emotional basis. Counseling usually alleviates the problem.
Sperm Granulomas Very rarely, sperm leakage from the testicular cut end of the vas may cause a small and usually painless lump. This lump does not pose a danger and frequently resolves over time.
In Summary:
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