There are risks involved with any medical procedure.
Before a vasectomy is scheduled at Urology Austin, a consultation with a urologist is required. During this consultation, the physician will discuss the vasectomy procedure, permanent sterilization, and possible vasectomy risk factors. If both the patient and the physician feel comfortable with proceeding, a vasectomy will be scheduled at a later date.
Vasectomy risk factors
As with any medical procedure, there are possible risks involved. The following outline vasectomy risk factors:
- Infection – Periodically, an infection may develop at the procedure site. This infection may cause drainage, pain, redness, or a feeling of heat around the area of incision. This usually responds to good hygiene and oral antibiotics.
- Bleeding and Bruising at the incision site.
- Swelling
- Sperm granuloma – A granuloma may occur in the scrotum where sperm leaks out of the vas deferens. This can normally be avoided if the patient abstains from ejaculation for at least one week after the procedure.
- Vas deferens may re-canalize – This can occur within the first month or two after the procedure, but the odds of this happening are low. When it does occur, the patient will not be able to obtain two negative semen samples after their procedure. Therefore, contraception must be used until two semen samples are determined to be clear of sperm, which usually takes two or three months.
- Allergic reaction – As with any procedure that requires anesthesia, topicals, injections or other medications, the patient may have an allergic reaction.
- Inflammation – This may happen in the epididymis or vas deferens.
- Emotional reactions – Since a vasectomy is considered a permanent form of sterilization, the emotions of the patient and/or their partner may be affected. Emotional upset may also affect sexual performance after the vasectomy is completed.
- Testicular injury – While it is rare, a testicular injury may occur during the procedure.
- Chronic testicular pain – Occasionally, chronic pain may develop in one or both testicles that may be aggravated by ejaculation.
Additional risks
Local anesthetic is used during the vasectomy procedure. Some discomfort may be felt when the local anesthetic is injected. Additionally, there may be some discomfort following the procedure. In this case, an athletic supporter, ice packs (including frozen peas), and over-the-counter analgesics are conservative solutions for discomfort.
Periodically, the vas deferens will become blocked resulting in a sperm build up in the epididymis. Consequently, this build up can result in swelling and pain. Normally, soaking in a hot bath, and talking an analgesic medication, will help resolve this swelling and pain.
After the vasectomy, the patient will receive instructions outlining when they can resume sexual activity. Birth control should be used until sperm is no longer found in semen samples. All vasectomy patients will have a post-operative semen analysis, and their physician will advise them as to when they are completely sterile. The patient should not experience a change in their erections, orgasms or ejaculations.
If you are interested in scheduling an vasectomy consultation with one of our urologists, contact Urology Austin.
