What are the risks of getting a vasectomy?

There are 2 types of risks. The first is short-term and the second is long-term. The short-term risks are very small but include infection at the incision, postoperative bleeding, and swelling of the scrotum and its contents. Infections are tremendously decreased to the point of almost being 0 by doing good preoperative preparations and following postoperative instructions. You should shave your scrotum at least 24 hours prior to the procedure, take a dose of antibiotics appropriate to the procedure a couple of hours before hand and perhaps 1 the evening afterwards. This almost completely eliminates infections. Swelling is another complication that is resolved or greatly lessened by using a no scalpel technique, the appropriate use of ice and restricted activity postoperatively. Long-term consequences are both more complex and at the same time much simpler. The simple answer is there are none that are really known. The more complex response includes the fact that we know the immune system is stimulated because the levels of antisperm antibodies and sperm agglutinating antibodies are increased. It has never been shown that this actually gives someone an advantage although theoretically it might. On the other hand the concern has been as to whether there is an increased incidence of other types of cancer. This is been particularly true of prostate cancer which has been extensively studied and the bottom line conclusion with without going into greater detail is that there is no increased incidence of prostate cancer following a vasectomy

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Regarding the procedure itself, developing swelling or a hematoma occurs not uncommonly. Post vasectomy pain long term too is unusual but there is a syndrome you can look up called Post Vasectomy Pain Syndrome some attribute to a vasectomy but this is rare. Studies have evaluated prostate cancer and heart disease to having had a vasectomy but this too has not been proven and several studies that may shown a relationship have been flawed in methodology. The some people form a knot at the site called a sperm granuloma and this can cause discomfort from time to time and even require an antibiotic, but usually it something the patient can feel but doesn't hurt. A vasectomy affects nothing that is connected to sexual activity, hormones, erection, climax or libido.

Published on Jul 11, 2012