A vasectomy is a medical procedure that creates a state of permanent sterilization in men who no longer wish to have children. As of 2005, it was estimated that more than 40 million men worldwide had undergone the procedure. Although vasectomy is usually safe and highly effective as a means of birth control, side effects do occur. Some men develop a fever after the operation, which is usually an indication that the vasectomy site has become infected.
Cause of Fever After Vasectomy
Most men heal easily and are able to resume a normal routine within a week after vasectomy, but some men develop a fever within a few days after the procedure. The usual cause of a fever after vasectomy is an infection, although they are quite rare and usually not serious, the National Institutes of Health says. These infections are usually caused when bacteria or microorganisms contaminate the vasectomy site. Other symptoms that might accompany a fever and infection include severe pain, tenderness, or inflammation of the scrota, testicles or pelvic region.
Types of Infections After Vasectomy
When a man develops a fever after vasectomy, he might have one of several infections. The most common include infections of the wound or incision site in the testicles or scrota. Infections of the urinary tract and epididymis are also typical. Rare types of infections include Fournier's gangrene and endocarditis, an inflammation of your heart's inner lining.
Likelihood of Fever After Vasectomy
Researchers from Lister Hospital in the United Kingdom reviewed numerous studies of vasectomy complications. Based on their review, the researchers observed that slightly more than 3 percent of men develop an infection after a vasectomy. Although this data show that the risk of vasectomy infection is low, other studies have observed infections in almost a third of men after a vasectomy. To minimize the risk of infection, the study authors recommend that men only visit professionals who have extensive experience conducting vasectomies.
Mortality Rates After Vasectomy
It is important to promptly treat a fever after vasectomy. With prompt treatment, men who are diagnosed with an infection after a vasectomy usually recover quickly and easily. The risk of death from infection post-vasectomy is extremely low, although most deaths caused by vasectomy are attributed to infections. Still, vasectomy causes death for only 0.1 out of 100,000 patients in developed countries. In non-industrialized nations, infections and fevers can be more serious. For instance, Bangladesh sees a mortality rate of 19 out of 100,000 men who have had vasectomies.
When to Call the Doctor
When a man's vasectomy is complete, he will be sent home with a list of instructions on how to care for the surgery site. He will be advised to pay attention to any symptoms that are indicative of complications, like fever, pain or swelling. He will need to contact his doctor's office immediately if a fever arises. If an infection is found, the patient will need to start antibiotic treatment immediately. In rare cases, surgery is necessary to treat the infection.
References
- American Urological Association Foundation: Vasectomy
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: Facts About Vasectomy Safety
- Annals of the Royal College of Surgery of England; Complications of Vasectomy; Ninaad Awsare, Jai Krishnan, Greg Boustead, Damian Hanbury, & Thomas McNicolas; November 2005
- U.S. National Library of Medicine & National Institutes of Health: Vasectomy
