Though the risk of complications following a vasectomy is small, temporary pain and discomfort are expected.

A vasectomy is typically performed in a doctor’s office. While it’s a safe and commonly performed procedure, there are potential complications that can occur.

Your doctor should review these possible complications with you before performing the procedure.

It’s important to understand that getting a vasectomy isn’t an immediate birth control method. Your ejaculate may still contain sperm for several months after the procedure.

You’ll need to use a condom or other birth control method until a semen analysis confirms that the procedure was successful.

You may experience side effects within hours to days after having a vasectomy. These side effects don’t often extend beyond the recovery period.

Pain and discomfort

While the procedure is usually very short, it’s not unusual to experience some discomfort and pain afterward.

If this occurs, taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, may help. Another option is to wear supportive underwear that lifts the testicles.

Discoloration and swelling

Some bruising and swelling in the scrotum is to be expected following a vasectomy. This isn’t usually cause for concern. It often quickly resolves.

Your healthcare professional may recommend applying a cloth-covered ice pack to the scrotum in 10- to 15-minute intervals.

They may also recommend taking OTC anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to reduce inflammation.

Bleeding or hematoma

Bleeding from the surgical site or hematoma may sometimes occur. A hematoma is a collection of blood that can press on other nearby structures in the body.

Bleeding will usually resolve on its own following the procedure. If you have continued bleeding that soaks a dressing, contact your healthcare professional.

Surgical site infection

There’s a risk of infection any time incisions are made or surgical instruments are inserted into the body.

Your doctor will take steps to minimize this risk. This includes washing their hands, wearing sterile gloves, and cleaning the area with a special soap solution before making an incision.

Your doctor won’t usually prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection unless you currently have an active infection or other risk factors, such as a history of surgical site infections.

While the risks for complications are very small, it’s possible to experience longer-term side effects.

Pain and discomfort

Some people report chronic scrotal pain following vasectomy. This pain can range from dull and aching to sharp.

Sperm granuloma

A sperm granuloma is a lump of sperm that can cause small bumps or cysts that range from 1 millimeter to 1 centimeter in size. They don’t usually cause symptoms. However, some people may have pain in the affected area.

Vasovenous fistula

In rare cases, multiple blood vessels adhere to the vas deferens and become injured during the vasectomy procedure. This can result in blood pooling, which leads to the development of a fistula or abnormal connection between the vas deferens and nearby blood vessels.

You may notice blood in your urine or ejaculate. Seek immediate medical attention if you have these symptoms.

Delayed surgical failure

In rare cases, the vas deferens that were cut can grow back together over time. If this happens, you may have viable sperm in your semen. This is known as delayed vasectomy failure.

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While there are potential risks that can occur with a vasectomy, there are also misconceptions surrounding the procedure in terms of side effects. For example, a vasectomy shouldn’t:

  • affect your ability to become erect
  • increase your risk of cancer
  • cause severe pain

If you have any concerns surrounding a vasectomy, talk with your doctor and address these before surgery.