Vasectomy Risk Information You Can Use

Anyone contemplating the validity and effectiveness of a vasectomy is interested in knowing all there is to know about the procedure. All those looking into the vasectomy should know that any medical procedure has risks associated with it including the vasectomy. When considering the risks of a vasectomy you should compare them against the risks of a tubal litagation, which is your other permanent birth control method to consider.

After the procedure, men usually will tell you that they experience soreness and may feel uncomfortable for a few days after the procedure. There may also be some bruising, or swelling. These post-procedure occurrences usually last only a few days and at most up to two weeks post-procedure. The medical doctor doing the procedure (or urologist) should have explained any possible discomfort that you should expect. Most healing is done within the first few days after the procedure, which is why most males have the procedure done on a Thursday or Friday, which gives them the weekend to recuperate before having to go back to work.

Complications that may be encountered post-vasectomy:

Some men experience an allergic reaction to the anesthesia. Those who may develop this complication may develop itching and hives in reaction to the anesthesia used during the procedure.

All men experience some degree of discomfort or pain associated with the procedure in the scrotum area that will disappear within 2 days to a week post-procedure. To treat the pain, doctors advise them to use over-the-counter pain medication. Males recuperating from vasectomy should not use aspirin.

The bruising and swelling associated with post-vasectomy doesn't always occur right away, sometimes it happens immediately, and sometimes it occurs a few days after the procedure. To bring relief, use frozen peas or corn or other small vegetables to help with the swelling, or an ice pack. It is important to use a jockstrap as support for the first few days after the procedure.

Bleeding is also a possible complication that can occur when blood seeps under the skin. This is not dangerous and usually disappears without treatment within one to two weeks.

In approximately 2% of post-operative vasectomies, a hematoma may occur. A hematoma is when there is bleeding inside the scrotum, and it can be painful and look swollen. Your doctor should be told about the appearance of the hematoma.

An infection can occur in approximately 4% of vasectomies performed. This complication is reduced when the no-scalpel vasectomy is performed. Antibiotics are the treatment of choice.

Some males are allergic to the chromic sutures used in the procedure, but this is rare. The allergic reaction can take the form of itching, burning or a stinging sensation.

Sperm granuloma is a complication that occurs when sperm leak from the vasectomy site or rupture in the epididymus. Since sperm have a high antigenic property, to leakage can provoke a reaction that is inflammatory in nature. The body will form pockets, which are firm balls of tissue that trap sperm. A man will experience this around week 2 or 3 post-procedure. Most granulomas resolve with treatment and only 1% require surgery.

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