What are the side effects of a vasectomy?

• Vasectomy is an operation performed on men who decide not to have any more children.
• Although it has many advantages, there are a number of side effects that the patient should be aware of before undergoing the operation.
• Vasectomy is a minor surgery, which is performed under local anaesthesia and lasts approximately 30 minutes.

The vas deferens in the male reproductive system is the tube through which sperm pass from the testicles to the urethra or seminal duct.

Vasectomy surgery consists of sectioning and ligating, or in other words, cutting the vas deferens through which the sperm pass. In this way, the sperm are prevented from passing through and are therefore not expelled during ejaculation.

Vasectomy surgery has some effects on the patient who undergoes it that should be known before making the final decision to have the surgery.

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The sexual side effects of vasectomy are practically non-existent, although some changes can be observed:

• Some studies conclude that the appearance of the seminal fluid is not the same before and after the operation. These studies say that after the vasectomy operation, the seminal fluid is more fluid, instead of being as thick as it was before the surgery. This may be because epididymal and testicular secretions are no longer present in the semen. Despite this, it does not cause any discomfort or problems of any kind to the patient, and is simply an anecdotal fact.
• Another side effect of vasectomy at the sexual level could be a significant increase in sexual desire, arousal, orgasm and sexual satisfaction. This could be due to the fact that the couple perceives that there is no longer any danger and that the contraceptive effect is total, based in this case on a change of perception at a psychological level.

As for hormonal side effects, although they are a minor problem, we can also highlight some of them:

• The production of sperm is not altered with vasectomy, although it does prevent them from being expelled with the semen. The sperm therefore accumulate in a place called the epididymis, which is located in the testicle. Once they accumulate there, they are reabsorbed by the body itself.
• For the first few months after the operation, the patient must use contraceptive protection, as sperm may have remained in the seminal ducts and in the upper portion of the vas deferens. Until 10 to 12 ejaculations have occurred following vasectomy surgery and a spermiogram has been performed, the patient cannot be sure that all the sperm have been expelled.
• The patient should have several spermiograms to ensure that all sperm have been completely removed. Until this test is inconclusive, the patient should continue to use protection.

Although the patient may not be aware of it, there are always emotional and psychological factors that affect him, both before and after the procedure.

• Sometimes, the patient may feel insecurities or fears about having a vasectomy, as this means putting an end to the possibility of creating a new life on the part of the man. This is why it is important for the patient to be clear about this, as vasectomy surgery has a very low success rate.

Some of the negative side effects that the patient may suffer after the operation, although they are very rare, may be:

• Bleeding of the operated area.
• Infection of the surgical wound.
• Mild inflammatory reaction.
• Very rarely, if the operation has not been done perfectly, the vas deferens may find a way to rejoin, allowing the sperm back into the seminal duct. As noted above, this happens very rarely.
• The accumulated sperm in the epididymal tissue may also cause a series of lumps to form, called sperm granulomas. These granulomas are not dangerous for the patient and can be properly treated with anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Some patients may have the sensation of swollen testicles or pain in the area, however, this usually disappears a few weeks after the procedure.

Having explained all the side effects that vasectomy can have on patients who have undergone the operation, it should be noted that the vasectomy operation is a very simple and short procedure, during which the patient does not suffer any pain and most often there are no complications.

Vasectomy can be reversible, in case the patient regrets having it done. The process by which the vasectomy is reversed is called Vasovasostomy and is very complicated to perform successfully and takes a long time (approx. 4 hours), the longer the time after the vasectomy surgery, the more complicated it becomes.

It is for this reason that the patient must be very sure that he wants to undergo vasectomy, an operation with very high success rates in all patients.

This method is the best considered method of contraception, due to its safety and simplicity, unlike some contraceptive methods used by women that sometimes have unwanted adverse effects.

Are you interested in having a vasectomy surgery?

Request a free and immediate appointment with our specialists in Urology

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