More than 95% of men will have an uncomplicated vasectomy; up to 5%, however, will have a complication and everyone is required to know these potential complications. Of the complications, 95% are minor and only 5% are major, which means that only 0.25% (1 in 400) of men having a vasectomy will have a major complication.

Minor Complications (4.75% or 1 in 21):

1. Bruising: Discoloration of the scrotum, which is painless, does not require any treatment and resolves on its own in 1-2 weeks.
2. Epididymitis: When a tube (the epididymis) at the back of the testicles becomes swollen and painful. Typically resolves with 1-2 weeks of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and/or ibuprofen.
3. Sperm Granuloma: An inflammatory reaction to the sperm cells as a result of the body absorbing them. Can cause a pea-sized nodule that is tender to touch. Typically resolves with 1-2 weeks of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and/or ibuprofen.
4. Stitch Abscess: Roughly 1% of patients require a stitch, which can be needed if there is a small vein oozing at the skin edge of the vasectomy site. The stitch will dissolve on its own. Up to 3% of those who require a stitch can get a small infection around the stitch, much like an ingrown hair. This is easily fixed by removing the stitch, which we can do in the office or you can do at home if comfortable doing so.

Major Complications (0.25% or 1 in 400):

1. Abscess: Collection of infection. If small (less than a golf ball) can often be treated with time and/or antibiotics. If larger, drainage is typically recommended to allow more rapid healing, usually within 1-2 weeks.
2. Hematoma: Collection of blood in the scrotum. If small (less than a golf ball) a hematoma can be treated with time and pressure. If larger, drainage is typically recommended to allow more rapid healing, usually within 1-2 weeks.
3. Chronic Post Vasectomy Pain Syndrome (up to 1 in 1,000): A rare complication in which pain can last more than 3 months. The pain is typically not severe, but pain in the scrotum for more than 3 months is no fun. This typically resolves with time, acetaminophen (Tylenol) and/or ibuprofen. Steroids are sometimes added to further reduce inflammation and pain. In rare cased minor surgery is required to cut the microscopic nerves in the scrotum that are sending pain signals to your brain.
4. Vascular Injury (up to 1 in 1,000): A rare complication in which the blood vessels supplying or draining the testicle of blood are injured. This can result in swelling or shrinking of the testicle which is usually temporary but can be permanent. In extremely rare cases in the world, it has been reported that people had to have a testicle removed. We have never had to remove a testicle after a vasectomy.