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Vasectomy Risks and Complications
Vasectomy is a safe, simple and effective birth control
method.
What are possible vasectomy complications and risks?
...What are the causes for any post vasectomy pain?
Any surgical procedure carries some risk, but vasectomy is considered to be low-risk, typically not painful, and vasectomy 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 actually is and is a normal reaction after vasectomy.
Chronic Orchialagia- A rare vasectomy complication - the patient may experience a dull post vasectomy pain or ache in the testicles that is thought to be caused by a congestion of the epididymis 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 - One of the more common of the vasectomy complications, epididymitis is a condition which 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 with or without antibiotics 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 may occur inside the scrotum causing post vasectomy pain or swelling. When it occurs, it is usually within the first week of the vasectomy. 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. Post vasectomy infection at the incision site or in deeper tissue occurs in less than 5 percent of all cases. Such vasectomy infections usually respond favorably to antibiotic treatment, antimicrobial creams and hot baths, usually within a week.
Postoperative Pain - Some degree of post vasectomy 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. Any painful discomfort normally resolves within a day or two, while a slight ache may remain longer.
Prostate Cancer - Studies looking at the association
of prostate cancer with vasectomy have demonstrated conflicting results in the
past. To answer this question, a major study involving over 2000 men was performed
and reported in the Journal American Medical Association (JAMA
2002; 287:3110-3115). The conclusion was clearly that there is no
increased risk of prostate cancer with vasectomy (NIH
News Release).
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 - One of the more typical vasectomy sequelae, sperm granulomas occurs when sperm leakage from the testicular cut end of the vas causes a small and usually painless lump. This lump does not pose a danger and frequently resolves over time.
In Summary:
- Although a simple, safe and common surgical procedure,
any surgical procedure includes some risk.
- Vasectomy complications are usually uncommon.
- Some post vasectomy pain and discomfort may be expected, but this normally decreases and disappears within days, given routine post operative care.
- It’s important to review possible vasectomy complications and risks with your physician.
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