As with any surgery, there are risks involved in a vasectomy. However, they are rare, and can be easily treated.
Vasovagal Episode:
During the operation, a few men may feel lightheaded, or may feel faint. This is easily treated by simple supportive measures and tend to resolve in a few minutes.
Adverse reactions to the local anaesthetic agent:
Please tell your doctor if you have ever had any complications with lidocaine.
Bleeding:
Some bruising & swelling in the scrotum is normal after the operation that may take up to a few days to resolve. A larger collection of blood called a haematoma occurs rarely. This bleeding can usually be treated by scrotal elevation and bed rest.
Wound infection:
As with all surgical procedures there is a small risk of infection after the operation which may require antibiotics.
Epididymitis:
This is an inflammation of the epididymis which is located next to the testes. This is associated with painful swelling, fever, and chills. This may happen weeks after the procedure. It is treated with anti-inflammatories, scrotal support and antibiotics.
Sperm granuloma:
This is a small swelling inside the scrotum at the site of the vasectomy. This is a result of the body’s reaction to sperm which leak out from the area. This condition will usually resolve on its own and usually requires no treatment.
Post vasectomy pain:
You may experience some post vasectomy pain which is temporary and should be controlled with medication, whether it be a prescription given by your doctor or over the counter. On rare occasions, patients have had prolonged mild ache in their testicles or long-term sensitivity. The incidence of post vasectomy pain is negligible with an open ended vasectomy.
Persistent fertility:
This may result due to an unsuspected (but rare) duplication of the vas deferens or due to re-joining of the vas deferens. This may require a repeat vasectomy to correct. There is a very small risk of failure, less than 1 in 1000. This is detected when the sperm count is done in 3 months.
