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 and irreversible form of birth control, and it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or AIDS.
| Complication | No Scalpel Vasectomy | Traditional Vasectomy |
| Infection | 1% | 3.48% |
| Haematoma | 1% | 2% |
| Sperm Granuloma | 0.8% | 2.8% |
| Epididymitis | 0.5% | 1% |
| Failure after one year | 0.2% | < 0.5% |
| Recovery Time | 1.5 days | 3.5 days |
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.
Haematoma
Bleeding inside the scrotum rarely may cause painful swelling immediately following a vasectomy. The result is known as a haematoma, and while seldom serious, it should be reported to a doctor. The risk of haematoma occurring is around 1 in every 100 men (1%).
Infection
If blood collects under the skin following vasectomy, it can become infected. The risk of infection occurring is around 1 in every 100 men (1%). Such infections usually respond favourably to oral antibiotic treatment, antimicrobial creams and hot baths, usually within a week. Rarely, the infection can be more severe requiring treatment in hospital.
Early Failure
This means that the tubes that have been cut join up later on. The risk of this occurring is around 1 in 200 men. It can take up to four months for this to happen, which is why we ask you to wait four months before a semen sample is handed in to the hospital to be checked.
Late Failure/unplanned pregnancy
There is also a reported risk of a “late failure” which is pregnancy that happens after a man has been given the all-clear (that is, after tests have confirmed there are no sperm in their semen) after a vasectomy. This risk is much lower at 1 in every 2000 men.
**The main risk after a vasectomy is that your partner gets pregnant because you stop using contraception too soon after the operation; that is, before you have been told that it is safe to do so or before you have had a negative sperm test.**
**The main risk after a vasectomy is that your partner gets pregnant because you stop using contraception too soon after the operation; that is, before you have been told that it is safe to do so or before you have had a negative sperm test.**
Postoperative Pain
Some degree of scrotal pain or ache is normal following a vasectomy. Taking regular paracetamol with or without codeine is recommended over anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or aspirin, which can cause bleeding. Painful discomfort normally disappears within a day or two, while a slight ache may remain longer, in some cases up to a week or two.
Chronic Pain/Post-vasectomy pain syndrome
Long-term dull aching in the testicles may occur following vasectomy that is thought to be caused if the epididymis becomes congested with dead sperm and fluid. If this occurs, it usually disappears within six months but can rarely persist long-term. Current guidelines state that the risk of chronic pain occurring is between 1 to 2 out of every 100 men but the most up-to-date data suggests the risk may be lower at around 2 in every 1000 men (0.2%).
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.
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.
Prostate Cancer
Studies have demonstrated that there is no increased risk of prostate cancer with vasectomy
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. Counselling 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.
Allergic Reaction
Rarely, some men may experience itching and hives, as an allergic reaction to local anaesthetic.
Antibodies
Sperm which are no longer released through ejaculation and absorbed by the body may attract antibodies produced following vasectomy.
In Summary
- Although a simple, safe and common surgical procedure, any surgical procedure includes some risk.
- A vasectomy is considered to be low risk, and complications usually are uncommon.
- Some 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 risks and complications with your physician.