Following a vasectomy, complications are very rare. Most men can expect to feel sore and tender for a few days after the operation, and you will usually experience some bruising and swelling on or around your scrotum.

However, in some cases, a vasectomy can cause more serious problems, some of which are outlined below.

Hematoma

A hematoma is when blood collects and clots in the tissue surrounding a broken blood vessel. Following a vasectomy, you may develop a hematoma inside your scrotum. This can cause your scrotum to become extremely swollen and painful. In severe cases, you may require further surgery to treat the blood clot.

Sperm granulomas

When the tubes which carry sperm from your testicles (vas deferens) are cut, sperm can sometimes leak from them. In some rare cases, the sperm can collect in the surrounding tissue, forming hard lumps which are known as sperm granulomas.

Sperm granulomas are not usually painful and can often be treated using anti-inflammatory medication, which your doctor will prescribe for you. If the granulomas are particularly large, or painful, they may have to be removed surgically.

Infection

As with any surgical procedure, after a vasectomy you may be at risk of developing an infection, as a result of bacteria entering through the incisions (cuts) made in your scrotum. Therefore, following the operation, it is important to keep your genital area clean and dry in order to minimize the risk of infection.

Long term testicular pain

Following a vasectomy, a very small number of men develop long-term testicular pain. This pain can vary from a constant dull ache, or episodes of sharp, intense pain.

Long term testicular pain is usually the result of a pinched nerve, or scarring, which occurred during the operation. You may be advised to undergo further surgery in order to repair the damage and to help minimize further pain.

Full feeling in your testicles

After a vasectomy, some men may develop the sensation that their testicles feel 'fuller' than normal. This is usually caused by the epididymis becoming filled with stored sperm. The epididymis is the long, coiled tube which rests on the back side of each testicle. It helps to transport and store sperm.

If you do develop a feeling of fullness in your testicles, it should pass naturally within a few weeks. However, speak to your doctor if you are still experiencing 'fullness' after this time.

Fertility

In a very small number of vasectomy cases, the vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm from your testicles and are cut during the procedure) can sometimes reconnect over a period of time. This means that the vasectomy will no longer be an effective form of contraception. However, it is very rare for this to happen with 1 in 2,000 men becoming fertile again in this way.