What potential long-term condition is defined by persistent or intermittent scrotal discomfort lasting at least three months post-procedure?
Answer
Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome (PVPS)
Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome (PVPS) represents a significant potential long-term disadvantage following a vasectomy, characterized by ongoing pain or discomfort in the scrotal region. The defining criterion for diagnosing this syndrome is the persistence of this discomfort, which can manifest as either constant pain or intermittent episodes. Crucially, for the pain to be classified as PVPS, it must endure for a minimum duration of three months following the initial surgery. While the overall reported incidence ranges from 1% to 15%, a smaller fraction, approximately 1% to 2%, experiences pain severe enough to substantially impair their daily quality of life.

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