Q7. What are the side effects of a vasectomy?

A7. Surgery is safe but no procedure is entirely risk free. Vasectomy has been around for a long time and is a quick and easy procedure to perform with little side effects.

Complications are rare but they do happen and you need to be aware of these before making your decision.

These include:

• Bleeding
• Swelling and bruising of the scrotum
• Infection
• Fever
• Inflammation known as ‘congestive epididymitis’
• Leakage of sperm underneath the skin, causing a lump to form
• Post vasectomy pain syndrome
• Vas deferens tubes join back together (recanalisation)
• Psychological trauma, e.g. anxiety and depression
• Failure of the procedure

The risks as well as the benefits will be discussed between you and your surgeon during the initial consultation.

Find out more in our vasectomy surgery section.

FAQS Index : A guide to Vasectomy

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Vasectomy FAQs

1. What is a vasectomy?
2. Why is it called ‘the snip?’
3. Why should I consider a vasectomy?
4. Am I suitable for a vasectomy?
5. Does it hurt?
6. What are the benefits of a vasectomy?
7. What are the side effects of a vasectomy?
8. What is ‘post-vasectomy pain syndrome?’
9. How much does a vasectomy costs?
10. Can I have a vasectomy on the NHS?
11. How long does a vasectomy take?
12. Is there more than one procedure?
13. What is ‘no-scalpel’ vasectomy?
14. Can I have a local anaesthetic?
15. How soon can I return to work after a vasectomy?
16. I play sports; how soon can I resume them?
17. What is the success rate for a vasectomy?

18. What is the failure rate for a vasectomy?
19. How long do I have to wait after my vasectomy before having sex?
20. Is there a link between vasectomy and prostate cancer?
21. Is there a link between vasectomy and testicular cancer?
22. Will it affect my sex drive?
23. Do I still have to use condoms after surgery?
24. Will it affect our sex life?
25. I am not sure whether to have a vasectomy; shall I go ahead anyway?
26. Can I go abroad for a vasectomy?
27. What happens if I change my mind?
28. What is a vasectomy reversal?
29. What is a tubal ligation?
30. Is there an alternative to a vasectomy?

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