All medical information provided is general in nature: always consult your doctor
Risk considerations
Like all surgeries, a vasectomy carries some risks including:
- Pain and swelling. Some pain and swelling is to be expected after vasectomy. This often responds to simple measures such as rest, paracetamol, and cold therapy.
- Infection
- Sperm Granulomas. These are hard pea-sized lumps that occur due to sperm leaking from the cut end of the vas deferens.
- Haematoma (blood collection). This is where blood collects in the scrotum, often occurring in the first 2 weeks after vasectomy. Risks increase with physical activity or injury after the procedure. It often settles with cold treatment, rest, and scrotal support. If the swelling is large, it may require further surgical treatment.
- Congestion. This is a feeling of pressure in the testes due to build up of sperm. If can cause discomfort for 3 months or longer.
- Post-vasectomy pain syndrome. This is pain in the lower abdomen or scrotal/groin area that lasts for more than 3 months after vasectomy.
- Failure. After you receive the all-clear at 3-4 months, failure is rare but possible.
- The frequency of the above risks will be discussed during the consultation with Dr Ayrton Goddard.
