Vasectomy Reversal Complications
When some men believe they are finished having children, they get a vasectomy, which is a surgical procedure that prevents sperm from entering a man's semen. However, sometimes men who have had a vasectomy change their minds and decide to try for more children. Those men have a vasectomy reversal, which basically undoes a vasectomy. There are some complications and risks associated with a vasectomy reversal.
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Vasectomy Reversal Procedure
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In a vasectomy, the sperm duct (the tube that carries sperm from the testicles into the semen) is cut and the ends are sealed to make a male sterile. With a vasectomy reversal procedure, the ends of the sperm duct are reconnected to allow sperm to once again meet the semen, according to the American Urological Association Foundation. The success rate for vasectomy reversals is about 50 percent, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Bleeding and hemotoma
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As with all medical procedures, complications are possible. Bleeding can cause a hematoma, or collection of blood, in the scrotum. This can cause pain and swelling in the area. According to vasectomy.com, it is rarely serious, but it should be reported to a physician. This can be avoided by closely following post-procedure care instructions from your doctor.
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Infection
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Infection is another possible complication of a vasectomy reversal procedure, as with any surgery. According to vasectomy.com, infection occurs in fewer than 5 percent of patients following the procedure. Treatments for infections include antibiotics, antimicrobial creams and baths.
Inflammation, pain and swelling
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Some pain and swelling after the procedure is normal. Some doctors will prescribe a pain medication and others will instruct you to take an over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen. According to vasectomy.com, major pain usually subsides in a few days.
According to the Mayo Clinic, sperm leakage into the scrotum after a procedure can cause the formation of an inflammatory mass called a granuloma in the scrotum. A sperm granuloma is the result of your immune system's effort to fight off the misplaced sperm. This can be a sign that the procedure did not work.
Other complications
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Another potential complication following a vasectomy reversal procedure is damaged nerves and blood vessels, which can lead to diminished fertility. Some men experience difficulty in sexual function after the procedure. Lower sperm counts can also be a result of a vasectomy reversal procedure. According to vasectomy.com, about 10 percent of men had reduced sperm counts after the procedure.
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