Vasectomy Procedure Risks

By 1993, approximately 42 million men in the world had vasectomies. However, based on research conducted for the most part in the United States, there are concerns, primarily of a link to prostate cancer. Additional worries about increased risks of testicular cancer and atherosclerosis have not been demonstrated scientifically.

Significance

Vasectomy is the most popular male surgical technique for sterilization. If long-term studies do find some connection to later development of prostate cancer, this could raise significant concerns among men considering the operation as well as those who have had a vasectomy. Large studies so far do not show this link conclusively. One report on 1,001 men who developed prostate cancer and a control group of 942 matched subjects found vasectomy rates statistically similar among the groups. The researchers stated there was no connection between prostate cancer risk and a previous vasectomy. A review of the medical literature indexed in the National Library of Medicine's PubMed database shows 161 studies on the association. With the exception of a few, most conclude there is no risk.

Effects

There are other risks and potential side effects. In one case, an otherwise healthy man in his thirties had a deep vein thrombosis develop from being immobilized during the operation. This led to a nearly fatal pulmonary embolism. The thrombosis was not caused by the vasectomy itself. Some side effects such as a limited allergic reaction from the anesthetic used, pain after the surgery, some bruising and possible emotional concerns are a natural outcome in many cases.

Types

Other risks exist as well. Chronic testicular pain occurs in up to 15 percent of cases according to one report. This can require a further operation, either an epididyectomy or a reversal of the vasectomy. In some men, antisperm antibodies increase but do not appear to increase a risk of heart disease. Vasectomies in third-world countries carry a higher risk of complications due to poor surgical procedures or lack of antiseptic measures. Some men may have problems in the immediate period after the procedure with hematomas, infections and fistulae.

Misconceptions

Following a vasectomy, men do not stop producing sperm. Sperm is made in the same amount as before, but without a passage outside, it is destroyed by antibodies. Since sperm makes up only three percent of ejaculate, men do indeed continue to ejaculate. Not only can ejaculation continue, but vasectomies have no effect on either virility or interest in sex.