Postvasectomy Scrotal Pain and Hematospermia, a Possible Harbinger for Vasectomy Failure and Recanalization: A Case Report.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Vasectomy is the most common and most effective method of achieving permanent male sterility. However, there is a low risk of vasectomy failure. To our knowledge, there is no symptom complex that has been identified and described that is predictive of early recanalization and vasectomy failure. CASE PRESENTATION A 44-year-old man underwent a routine bilateral vasectomy without complication. Two months after the procedure, the patient experienced an acute onset of scrotal pain and hematospermia. Several semen analyses were performed during the following months, the results of which demonstrated progressively rising numbers of motile sperm and were indicative of vasal recanalization. The patient underwent repeated vasectomy, during which he was found to have right vasal recanalization leading to vasectomy failure. DISCUSSION: Delayed postvasectomy scrotal pain associated with hematospermia may be a sign of vasal recanalization. We propose that this symptom complex should prompt an investigation for vasal recanalization, during which the patient should be instructed to refrain from intercourse without the use of an additional method of contraception.