Vasectomy is a male sterilization procedure that involves cutting or clamping the tubes that carry sperm (vas deferens) to prevent it from traveling through and mixing with semen during ejaculation.
The procedure is deemed the most effective permanent method of male contraception, with a success rate of close to 95 percent. Nonetheless, even with this remarkable success rate, vasectomy— like any other type of surgical procedure— is not devoid of complications.
Let’s delve deeper into the risks associated with vasectomy, particularly post-vasectomy pain syndrome and how it can be addressed.
Risks of Vasectomy
Expect to notice mild pain, swelling, hematoma (blood clot, which is a result of injury to the blood vessels), and blood in your semen right after your surgery. They are temporary and thus should subside in a few days.
The procedure, however, can have delayed complications, such as the following:
o Chronic pain (post-vasectomy pain syndrome)
o Development of an abnormal epididymal cyst (Epididymis is the coiled tube located on the upper testicle that collects and transports sperm.)
o Fluid buildup in the testicle
o Spermatic cord nerve damage
o Surgery fails to work – resulting in pregnancy (rare complication)
You should contact your doctor if you have concerns or experience the following symptoms, which could indicate a problem:
- Severe or worsening pain or swelling
- Signs of infection which include a fever, redness, worsening pain or swelling, or blood oozing from the surgery site
- Continued bleeding from the surgical site or a hematoma
- Chronic pain
Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome
Post-vasectomy pain syndrome is uncommon, shown to affect only one to two percent of men. It is a complex condition that can vary in severity, and its cause is not fully understood. It is categorized as chronic or intermittent scrotal content pain, experienced for three months or longer.
Men with this condition may experience testicular pain, pain with ejaculation, and psychological distress.
Post-vasectomy pain syndrome can be treated successfully with nonsurgical treatments, such as medications, pelvic floor physical therapy (Kegel exercises), or a spermatic cord block (administering anesthesia into the cord). In severe cases, however, another surgery may be required: microscopic spermatic cord denervation involves cutting all of the nerves carrying pain signals into the scrotum.
No-Needle, No-Scalpel Vasectomy in Gilbert, AZ
At Ironwood Urology, our board-certified urological surgeon, Dr. Desiderio Avila, Jr. is extensively trained in the no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy technique, which involves very minimal pain, even lower risk of complications, and significantly quicker recovery compared to the traditional approach. This allows you to resume and enjoy your sex life faster!
To find out whether a no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy is right for you, call us at (480) 961-2323 or request an appointment using this form to schedule a consultation with Dr. Avila.
