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Vasectomy Problems

The Journal of Urology estimates 527,000 vasectomies are performed in the United States each year. An alternative to tubal ligation in women, vasectomies, as with any surgical procedure, comes with risk. However, men seeking sterilization will find vasectomies to be among the safest surgeries with most post-procedure complications being easily treatable.

  1. Significance

    • A vasectomy is one of the most widely used forms of contraception in the United States, because it is simple and safe. It is performed by cutting the vas deferens, the small tube that carries sperm from the man's testicles to become part of his semen. The procedure is also highly effective due to the fact that a man's semen no longer contains sperm following a vasectomy, resulting in 100 percent sterilization.

    Effectiveness

    • Most physicians and surgeons test the effectiveness of vasectomies through post-procedural semen specimens. However, it may take up to twenty ejaculations over several weeks before a man's semen is sperm-free. According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist, a vasectomy is a proven choice for sterilization with only 1 in 2000 failures.

    Fact

    • A vasectomy only blocks sperm and does not hinder a man's ability to have and enjoy sex.

    Complications

    • Feelings of soreness, swelling and bruising are common reported side effects following a vasectomy. Pain killers are recommended for pain as well as ice for swelling to remedy simple post-procedure complications. Medical advice should be sought if bleeding, hematoma, infections and blood in the ejaculate occur.

    Warning

    • It is estimated that between 5 percent and 35 percent of vasectomized men suffer Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome (PVPS). PVPS is a genital pain of varying intensity that can last a lifetime.

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