A no-scalpel vasectomy has become a popular alternative for men. It results in less bleeding and a speedier recovery. But the concern among those interested in having a vasectomy still remains; does a vasectomy have any long-term effects?
Many studies have proven that a vasectomy has no long-term side effects that are significant. Men who have undergone a vasectomy are not more likely than other males who don’t go through this procedure to develop disorders like cancer, heart disease, prostate problems, and other health problems. Any specific potential side effects are limited to the area involved in the vasectomy surgery.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF A VASECTOMY?
For most vasectomy patients, the procedure doesn’t result in any problematic side effects. Minor side effects include bleeding or hematoma (blood clots) inside the scrotum, but this can quickly heal itself.
Sometimes, there could be a dull ache felt on the glandular tube which is at the top and side of each testicle. Or there could be a slight discomfort after sex or after an activity requiring a lot of energy. But these events are rare, and if they do, they occur usually during the first month following a vasectomy, and they don’t come back. They aren’t considered long-term.
Against perceptions, studies have demonstrated that prostate cancer is not a potential side effect of a vasectomy. Though 1 in 5 men may still feel some discomfort after a vasectomy, the most common cause of this discomfort is congestion of sperm, and this usually heals within a short time. Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can help relieve the pain. Other side effects which may happen but are very low risk and treatable are bleeding under the skin, minor infection at the cut or keyhole (for no-scalpel procedure), or a small lump that forms because of sperm leakage into nearby tissue (rest and anti-pain medicine can make it disappear).
DOES A VASECTOMY HAVE SIDE EFFECTS ON SEXUAL PERFORMANCE?
No, a vasectomy doesn’t have a negative effect on your sexual activity, sex drive, erectile function, or ejaculation. After one to two weeks of healing, sexual activity can be resumed as normal.
DOES A VASECTOMY HAVE SIDE EFFECTS ON ORGAN SIZE AND TESTICLES?
When performed by reputable doctors, a vasectomy will have little to no scarring, and will definitely not change the size or shape of the testicles and the penis. The main objective of a vasectomy is to divert the plumbing that transports the sperm into the ejaculate. There is no interference with the testicles or penis involved.
VASECTOMY HAS FEWER LONG-TERM EFFECTS THAN LIGATION
A vasectomy is considered less risky than tubal ligation which is a process of female sterilization that couples exploring their options to prevent future pregnancies can consider. A vasectomy induces less exposure of vital organs compared to tubal ligation which is considered more invasive and riskier. The no-scalpel vasectomy option at Vasectomy Australia, for example, just introduces a small keyhole into the scrotum area.
VERY LOW RISK OF SURGICAL FAILURE
Less than 0.01% of men who undergo vasectomy face the unlikely scenario of the vas deferens that were cut growing back together over time. This will result in vasectomy failure and they will have productive sperm in their semen samples again. But this is a very rare occurrence.
Understanding the vasectomy procedure is your best bet for understanding its long-term side effects. Getting informed knowledgeable advice from experts in this field is your best strategy for ensuring a safe and effective result.
If you are considering a vasectomy in Parramatta or any other areas in Sydney and if you have other questions or concerns about the vasectomy procedure, we’d love to help clarify them for you. Please contact us at 1800 SNIPME (1800 764 763) or email us at info@vasectomyaustralia.com.au
About The Author
Geoff Cashion
Dr Cashion was born in Brisbane and grew up in Rockhampton. After graduating in medicine from the University of Queensland in 2002 he spent many years working in emergency medicine and general practice. He completed training in the No Scalpel Vasectomy technique under Dr Doug Stein in Florida with further training undertaken in Australia. Opening Vasectomy Australia, he has grown it into one of the largest providers of Vasectomy in Australia, while still performing more than 3500 vasectomies a year himself.
