My husband had some pain in his testicle, so I went online to find potential causes. As frequently happens when Googling, one search leads to another and what seems like unrelated problems become pieces to a puzzle. In his case, whether or not it is the culprit, he has some health problems that are potential side effects of a vasectomy years ago.
In my search I learned that men are told vasectomies are basically harmless and risks are not disclosed on the consent form, most men are embarrassed to speak up about the complications, and those who do are not taken seriously. There are studies that show damage to the entire immune system because of the introduction of sperm and others that say otherwise. Many insurance companies cover vasectomy, but not reversal, which is the best treatment for the lasting pain. There are sites dedicated to warning of the dangers and blogs and message boards of men telling their horror stories. Sound familiar?
At least vasectomies are not forced on children, but an adult’s uninformed consent is not much better. Whether it is circumcision or vasectomy, do your homework. Do not just trust what a doctor looking to make a quick buck, who may not know any better himself tells you. I read over and over, “If only I’d known.”
A few sites to start your search ...
PainAfterVasectomy.org
VasectomyPain.org
What Happens to a Man's Body After a Vasectomy?
From Vasectomy linked with aggressive prostate cancer risk...
When they analyzed the data, the team found a 10% overall increased risk of prostate cancer in those men who had a vasectomy.
However, further analysis found vasectomy was linked to a stronger increased risk of more aggressive forms of prostate cancer: a 19% higher risk for advanced cancer and a 20% higher risk of the lethal form.
And for a subgroup of men who were having regular PSA tests, the increased risk was 56%.
In my search I learned that men are told vasectomies are basically harmless and risks are not disclosed on the consent form, most men are embarrassed to speak up about the complications, and those who do are not taken seriously. There are studies that show damage to the entire immune system because of the introduction of sperm and others that say otherwise. Many insurance companies cover vasectomy, but not reversal, which is the best treatment for the lasting pain. There are sites dedicated to warning of the dangers and blogs and message boards of men telling their horror stories. Sound familiar?
At least vasectomies are not forced on children, but an adult’s uninformed consent is not much better. Whether it is circumcision or vasectomy, do your homework. Do not just trust what a doctor looking to make a quick buck, who may not know any better himself tells you. I read over and over, “If only I’d known.”
A few sites to start your search ...
PainAfterVasectomy.org
VasectomyPain.org
What Happens to a Man's Body After a Vasectomy?
From Vasectomy linked with aggressive prostate cancer risk...
When they analyzed the data, the team found a 10% overall increased risk of prostate cancer in those men who had a vasectomy.
However, further analysis found vasectomy was linked to a stronger increased risk of more aggressive forms of prostate cancer: a 19% higher risk for advanced cancer and a 20% higher risk of the lethal form.
And for a subgroup of men who were having regular PSA tests, the increased risk was 56%.
Last updated October 28, 2014