Complications

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.

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.

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