Side effects of a vasectomy
A vasectomy is usually a very safe type of surgery and serious side effects are rare.
Side effects include:
- mild bruising and swelling of the testicles
- a small yellow lump (or lumps) on the scrotum – these lumps are made up of sperm (sperm granuloma) and are usually harmless
- infection
Bruising and swelling of the testicles should go away as your scrotum recovers from surgery.
Sperm granulomas should also go away by themselves. Anti-inflammatory types of painkillers, such as ibuprofen, can help with pain caused by a granuloma.
An infection will need treating with antibiotics.
Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
After your vasectomy :
- the pain and swelling in your scrotum and testicles suddenly gets worse or shows no sign of getting better after a few days
- you have a high temperature
- you notice blood, pus or liquid leaking from the wound
- a lump develops inside your scrotum (the skin around your testicles) and it keeps getting bigger
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Post-vasectomy pain syndrome (PVPS)
An uncommon side effect of vasectomy is long-term testicular pain. This is known as post-vasectomy pain syndrome (PVPS).
PVPS is usually treated with anti-inflammatory medicine, or medicines for nerve pain.
Some people may need surgery to remove some of the nerves in the testicles that cause pain.