As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications. Vasectomy has its own unique risks and complications, most of which are minor and will not require any additional intervention. These can include:
- bleeding under the skin that produces bruising
- swelling
- pain
Other potential risks, which are more serious but are infrequent, include:
- infection at the incision site
- sperm granuloma - a small lump that forms in the teste in response to sperm leakage during the procedure
- long-term post-operative pain - this is rare
- allergic reaction to the local anesthetic
Usually, any side effects of the procedure can be managed with simple interventions:
- bruising and swelling can be controlled with ice
- pain can be managed with over-the-counter analgesics such as ibuprofen or tylenol
- infections can be treated with oral antibiotics
- granulomas usually don't need to be treated at all, unless they are causing discomfort
- local anesthetic reactions can usually be controlled with antihistamines,but make sure you add the anesthetic to your allergy list at your physician's office
Vasectomy will NOT cause: loss of masculinity, low testosterone levels, changes in facial or body hair, impotence or protect you against sexually transmitted diseases.
Talk to your doctor about a vasectomy to get more information about the risks and complications of the procedure.
