Risks

Vasectomy carries a complication rate of less than 2 in 100.

1. Bleeding may range from minor bruising to a collection of blood accumulating in the scrotum called a scrotal haematoma. Small haematomas usually resolve safely by themselves. Very rarely do haematomas need to be drained surgically.
2. Infection risks are reduced with vigilant sterile preparation and technique. No antibiotics are usually required before the procedure. Infections are rare but can be serious requiring antibiotics or surgery.
3. Allergic/adverse reactions may occur to skin preparation, latex, anaesthetic or other equipment may occur rarely but can be easily managed. Please inform us of any allergies you may have including to latex.
4. Sperm granuloma is a swelling caused by leakage of sperm from the vas. It usually resolves by itself but can cause discomfort and very rarely needs to be drained.
5. Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome is a rare syndrome is characterized by chronic (that is long-term) pain in the scrotum or testicle. This may occur for a number of reasons including pressure in the structures draining into the vas (for example the epididymis or testicle, a picture of the relevant anatomy can be seen here), scarring or nerves being disrupted from the procedure. One of the more robust studies showed less than 1 in 100 men will have pain that noticeably affects their quality of life at 7 months after vasectomy.
6. Recanalisation is where the two ends of the vas may rejoin and sperm are again free to pass through. This is known as a failure. Again this is rare. Failure may be early (risk about 1/3000) or delayed (which maybe years down the track). Vasectomy stacks up as a superior form of contraception compared to the alternatives. Semen is checked to determine success of a vasectomy.