Risks of a Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that is done as a permanent birth control method for a man. During a vasectomy procedure, the vas deferens, which is a tube that carries sperm from the testicles, is either cut, clamped or sealed to prevent sperm from being released when the man ejaculates. Although any surgery can carry risks, the risk of complications after a vasectomy is minimal.
Other People Are Reading
-
Bleeding
-
After a man has a vasectomy, he may experience some painless bleeding. Blood may accumulate under the skin, giving the scrotum and penis a bruised appearance. Since the skin of the scrotum is very thin, the bruised appearance may look worse than the real damage it represents. Bleeding inside the scrotum is called hematoma. It usually occurs within a week of having a vasectomy. Although it is rarely serious, it should be reported to a physician.
Pain and Infection
-
Experiencing pain and discomfort following a vasectomy is normal and may last for a few days. In less than 5 percent of all cases, an infection was caused by the collection of blood under the skin of the penis. Vasectomy infections are usually treated with antimicrobial creams, antibiotics and hot baths. The infection will normally go away within a week.
-
Epididymitis
-
Epididymitis, which is inflammation of the epididymis, is one of the most common complications after a vasectomy. The epididymis is a long and coiled tube that sits behind each testicle. It is responsible for transporting and storing the sperm cells that were created in the testes. Epididymitis can be treated by applying heat to the area and by also using anti-inflammatory medication. This condition typically will go away within a week.
Chronic Orchialagia
-
Chronic orchialagia is a complication that occurs in about 1 percent of all vasectomy cases. Chronic orchialagia is when a man may experience some post vasectomy pain or aching in the testicles. This is considered to be caused by congestion of fluid and dead sperm in the epididymis. This type of congestion is also known as hydrocele. Although the cause of hydrocele is unknown, many believe that it is a result of a blockage in one of the tubes that drains the sperm from the testicle that then goes into the epididymis. Inflammation or trauma of the epididymis or testicles may also be a factor. Chronic orchialagia ordinarily goes away within six months. If the congestion becomes permanent, the physician may perform a vasoepidymostomy, which will connect the vas deferens to the epididymis.
Sexual Difficulties
-
After a vasectomy is performed, men can begin having sexual intercourse at least 72 hours after surgery. Men and their partners may find sexual intercourse to be more enjoyable and spontaneous without the fear of pregnancy. Some men do experience some sexual problems after the procedure is done. Men may experience erectile dysfunction or decreased libido (sex drive). Some men may suffer from premature ejaculation and impotence. For some of these cases, the cause is psychological. This type of issue can be resolved with counseling.
-
