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.