Are there any complications after Vasectomy?

Yes, occasionally. They may be surgical, immunological or psychological. Surgical complications are the least serious. They consist of bleeding (scrotal haematoma) or infection. This usually occurs a week later.

Immunological complications are extremely rare and no cause and effect relationship is known. Psychological complications occur chiefly because of inadequate counselling prior to the operation.

What preparations should one take after Vasectomy to prevent Surgical Complications?

An athletic supporter or a tight fitting jockey type underwear should be worn for a week t help relieve swelling and to support the scrotum to relieve the discomfort. The small gauze bandages protecting the incisions should be changed every two days.

What happens to the residual sperms?

The residual spermatozoa are phagocytosed (swallowed and destroyed) by the lymphatics of the testicle and epididymis and are rapidly disposed off.

Does the male hormone (Testosterone) level go down after Vasectomy?

No. Vasectomy has no effect on testosterone levels. A study was carried out by my colleagues and myself at the Institute of Research in Reproduction (ICMR), Bombay, on 45 vasectomised males with sexual dysfunctions. The duration of vasectomy was from fourteen days to fourteen years and revealed no significant change in the testosterone levels.

Is sexual desire and potency affected by Vasectomy?

No. The testes have two varieties of cells. One variety secretes testosterone that goes directly into the blood stream and is responsible for sexual desire and potency. The sperms are produced by the other variety of cells and they pass through a tube known as the vas. Thus, tying or ligation of the vas will have no effect on desire or potency. Sex life will remain unchanged. Erections, ejaculations and pleasure at orgasm will be as before.

What precautions can one take to avoid AIDS through sexual contact?

As mentioned earlier with a potentially infected partners “prevention is the only cure”. However, precautions that one may take to reduce the risk of transmission are:

1. Avoid sex with individuals who are in a ‘high risk’ group such as – male and female prostitutes, homosexuals, bisexuals, people with multiple partners, individuals who have had sexual contact with an AIDS patient, hemophiliacs, patients on renal dialysis, intravenous drug abusers etc.
2. Avoid sex with multiple partners especially with unknown/casual partners.
3. Avoid sexual activities that lead to exchange of body fluids as, this is risky (the virus has been isolated from the saliva, blood, semen, tears and urine of infected individuals). Therefore avoid oral sex, peno-vaginal sex and peno-rectal sex.
4. Use condoms during sex as they reduce the risk of transmission of the virus.

What are safe sexual practices for uninfected individuals?

Uninfected individuals should avoid all sexual practices that involve exchange of body fluids, when indulging in sexual activity with potentially infected partners. They may safely indulge in non- oral and non-coital sexual practices such as fondling, stimulation of erogenous zones, sensate focus exercises, mutual or self-masturbation, penetration alternatives such as intercourse between the thighs, inter mammary intercourse etc. An orgasm is an orgasm, and is equally satisfying by whatever means it is achieved.