Recent comments in /f/IAmA

ramasamymd OP t1_j8p2ob1 wrote

Unfortunately, negative studies (studies that do not show an association) do not get published due to publication bias. I am confident that it was a statistical association without a biological explanation.

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streim21 t1_j8p2hxa wrote

Once or twice a year I see news articles about research into alternative male contraceptives such as oral contraceptives, "birth control gel" or something else. In your opinion, are there any promising alternatives / advancements we could see being widely used in the next 5-10 years?

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ramasamymd OP t1_j8p2ezj wrote

A sperm granuloma is a small mass or lump that may develop following a vasectomy. This lump is an inflammation created by extravasated sperm which leaks or is forced out of the cut end of the vas deferens during surgery. These granulomas can vary in size and are usually about the size of a pea. They can be encapsulated in a lump of scar tissue. Sperm granulomas are not life-threatening or cancerous. They do not cause any harm but may cause pain and discomfort in some cases. If no pain or discomfort, not to worry

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ramasamymd OP t1_j8p1rtk wrote

post-vasectomy pain syndrome (PVPS) is a possible complication of a vasectomy that involves chronic pain in one or both testicles that persists for three or more months after the procedure. PVPS is a rare complication, and the risk of developing PVPS after a vasectomy is low. The pain can range from a rare, dull ache to sharp, constant pain that can interfere with daily life. Possible treatments for PVPS include medication, a vasectomy reversal, or surgery to remove the epididymis or the spermatic cord, although these options may not always be effective.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28725617/

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ramasamymd OP t1_j8p1nvg wrote

A vasectomy is a surgical procedure in which the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra, are cut, tied, or sealed to prevent the release of sperm during ejaculation. The procedure is usually performed at a doctor's office or surgery center under local anesthesia. During the surgery, a small section of the vas deferens is cut out and removed. The vas deferens is cut and sealed in order to prevent sperm from mixing with the semen and being released from the body during ejaculation. The procedure usually takes about 10 minutes and can be performed on both testicles during the same visit.

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ramasamymd OP t1_j8p1a0f wrote

Post-vasectomy pain syndrome (PVPS) is a possible complication of a vasectomy that involves chronic pain in one or both testicles that persists for three or more months after the procedure. PVPS is a rare complication, and the risk of developing PVPS after a vasectomy is low. The pain can range from a rare, dull ache to sharp, constant pain that can interfere with daily life. Possible treatments for PVPS include medication, a vasectomy reversal, or surgery to remove the epididymis or the spermatic cord, although these options may not always be effective

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28725617/

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Reader532 t1_j8p19vp wrote

It's .. irksome that after 15 years, this is still filed under "needs more research." Aphasia and PPA are no joke.

My father had severe aphasia in his final years, and this link was enough for me to deny having a vasectomy years ago.

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ramasamymd OP t1_j8p0zu7 wrote

In general, a vasectomy is a form of birth control that prevents the release of sperm during ejaculation by cutting or blocking the vas deferens tube. This procedure does not affect a man's ability to have an erection or orgasm. Another misconception is that the procedure will decrease testosterone levels. However, since testosterone is transported through the bloodstream rather than the vas deferens, a vasectomy should not affect testosterone levels.

There are no substantial benefits to vasectomy beyond birth control.

The risks of vasectomy can include:
Bleeding or a blood clot (hematoma) inside the scrotum, blood in the semen, bruising of the scrotum, infection of the surgery site, mild pain or discomfort, swelling, and delayed complications such as chronic pain or sperm granuloma.
Discomfort, bruising, and swelling after surgery that usually goes away within two weeks, hematoma, bleeding under the skin that can lead to painful swelling, and infection that may require medical attention.
Pain, soreness for a few days after the procedure, and other rare complications such as infection, bleeding, and inflammation.
It is important to note that serious complications from vasectomy are rare, and most men do not experience significant side effects. However, any procedure involving surgery carries some level of risk, and it is essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits of vasectomy with a healthcare provider before making a decision.

https://theconversation.com/500k-american-men-get-vasectomies-every-year-a-specialist-explains-the-easy-and-reversible-procedure-186984

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ramasamymd OP t1_j8p0anj wrote

According to the sources, the failure rate for vasectomies is very low, with only one to two in 1,000 men experiencing a failed vasectomy. However, in rare cases, a vasectomy can fail if the doctor misses the vas deferens during the procedure, and the tube can regrow, though this is very uncommon. Another possible cause of failure is having sex too soon after the surgery, without using an alternate form of birth control.

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ramasamymd OP t1_j8p09fy wrote

According to the sources, the failure rate for vasectomies is very low, with only one to two in 1,000 men experiencing a failed vasectomy. However, in rare cases, a vasectomy can fail if the doctor misses the vas deferens during the procedure, and the tube can regrow, though this is very uncommon. Another possible cause of failure is having sex too soon after the surgery, without using an alternate form of birth control.

I typically dont use pain killers before or after vasectomy. Just local anesthesia.

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ramasamymd OP t1_j8ozy3y wrote

According to the sources, the failure rate for vasectomies is very low, with only one to two in 1,000 men experiencing a failed vasectomy. However, in rare cases, a vasectomy can fail if the doctor misses the vas deferens during the procedure, and the tube can regrow, though this is very uncommon. Another possible cause of failure is having sex too soon after the surgery, without using an alternate form of birth control.

​

I typically dont prescribe pain killers either before or after the procedure beyond just the local anesthesia.

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ramasamymd OP t1_j8ozl66 wrote

One study conducted by researchers at Northwestern University found that men with PPA were more likely to have undergone vasectomy than cognitively normal men of the same age, with 40% of men with PPA having had a vasectomy compared to 16% of others. However, it's important to note that this study only showed a correlation and not causation. Further research is needed to determine whether there is a causal relationship between vasectomy and PPA or other forms of dementia. It's also worth mentioning that the vast majority of men who have undergone a vasectomy do not experience any negative effects on their cognitive abilities.

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VoxClarus t1_j8ozcxt wrote

There are (rare) chronic pain complications involved with vasectomies, but when looking into this as a layman it's not clear at all how much of a concern this should be to men considering the surgery. Cleveland and Mayo Clinic present it as kind of a medical mystery and both suggest it's difficult to treat. And yet they both also note that it's *extremely* unlikely to develop.

I'm wondering about your general sense of the issue: Is it something you see being seriously studied? Would it cause you to hesitate in receiving or recommending the procedure or is it more of a "cost of doing business" kind of outcome?

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