Cognitive Dissonance at its Greatest: A Country of Pet Lovers and Meat Eaters

First thing, the most kind and intelligent people in my life purchase/consume animal products that have foreboding origins. And bottom line, a person’s choice of food, in my opinion, does not determine whether that person is a loving and compassion soul... it does, however, bring up a psychological and ethical paradox.[*][*][*]

 

American’s love their pets.

 
Last year alone, we spent over 14 billion dollars on pet services (not including vet care). There has been no time in history that has seen such a wide and growing variety of products and services for pets and pet parents.[*] 
 
 
American’s also love their meat (and cheese)….no other county in the world consumes more meat then America.[*]
 
With these statistics, I have to admit I am a bit confused by the logic of consuming/purchasing animal products (ex. meat, dairy, clothing) but still professing our beliefs against animal cruelty.
 
Is it that people are still truly in the dark when it comes to the origin and process of how their food got to their plate?
 
True, some Americans do choose to stop eating meat and/or dairy (or choose more humane origins such as local farmers) when they learn the extent that animals suffer for its production. However, an overwhelming majority do not. Recent research has illustrated that people keep eating meat by simply dampening their moral consideration of animals when sitting at the dinner table.[*]
 
Research explains that when there is a conflict between people's preferred way of thinking and their preferred way of acting, it is their thoughts and moral standards that people abandon first -- rather than changing their behavior.[*]
 
People may even employ the following when faced with their role as a consumer in the reality of the horrific conditions of industrialized meat/dairy:  

Denial - "Animals are treated fine.” “Animals don’t suffer.” “Human’s are superior.”

 

Minimization - "That's only the non-freerange animals."

 

Passive aggression- A general negative feeling towards people who don’t eat meat or eat locally farm raised meat.

 

Isolation - "The animals are nowhere near me and have nothing to do with me." “There is nothing I can do about it.”

 

Repression - Any guilt arising from having an active role in animal cruelty is avoided..

 

Humor - Making a joke out of the issue to avoid their own feelings about it.

  
This may be surprising to some, but animals raised for food in the US, in large part, are excluded from legal protection against cruelty.[*]
 
Specifically, 28 states have enacted laws that create a legal realm whereby certain acts, no matter how cruel, are deem ‘accepted’,‘common’, ‘customary’, and ‘normal’ farming practices. Of those states that do have anticruelty statues, they exclude poultry which represents approximate 95% of the 7 billion farm animals slaughtered annually.[*]
 

(I’m not going to drone on and on regarding what happens to these animals. I’ve seen it and I don’t care to rehash it. If you are truly curious then I suggest watching Earthlings or, the rated PG version, Peaceable Kingdom: The Journey Home)

 

So how do we go from abandoning our underlying principles of animal cruelty to changing our behavior? Could the answer be in an encompassing grasp on how much power the consumer has over this dilemma?  
 
With each meal, with each dollar – we truly cast our vote each and every day on whether we support animal cruelty or if we have enough balls and wherewithal to stand up against it.

“We patronize animals for their incompleteness, for their tragic fate of having taken form so far beneath ourselves. And therein we err, and greatly err. For the animal shall not be measured by man.

In a world older and more complex than ours they move finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendor and travail of the earth."

 

-Harry Beston 1888~1968

 

For those of you who are too afraid to witness how these animals come into this world, live, reproduce and die...just remember that they have to live through this violence each and every day, every minute and every second – and each of us has an active role in its progression (or cessation).  
 
Even more disturbing, in my opinion, is this cruelty is caused not because Americans are starving, naked, or without other means of enriching their lives, but rather - we simple enjoy a cheap double bacon cheeseburger or we like the feel of leather. Suffering caused for nothing more than fulfillment of sensual desire.
 
I understand, no one wants to see, experience or confront this violence…  watching an educational documentary on how animals are treated today in agriculture (such as "Earthlings") is hard to watch, but would be even harder to live.
 
To be honest, I never thought that I'd be the victim of such an impact. To the point that it would have such an immense influence on my health and spirituality.
 
For me, I SEVERELY underestimated how devastating the knowledge a movie like this imparts. I felt so mentally and emotionally exhausted after but also I felt an incredible sense of empowerment.
 
It lends an energy and purpose that tends to light a fire and push a person to be an integral part of ending the suffering.
 
On behalf of the billions and billions of animals who are suffering today, right this second...may your voice and actions be lent to them.
 
 

"Man's fate is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; man has no advantage over the animal."

 

Ecclesiastes 3:19-20

 
 
… how is it that humanity has become so inhumane?
 
There is no NEED for this type of cruelty in today's society.
 
Everyone wants a better world, but few actually place the effort into modifying their behavior to BE the change to make that type of world. Be that change.
 
 

"You have just dined, and however scrupulously the slaughterhouse is concealed in the graceful distance of miles, there is complicity."

 

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Involuntary Pediatric Chemotherapy

"Current approaches to combat cancer rely primarily on the use of chemicals and radiation, which are themselves carcinogenic and may promote recurrences and the development of metastatic disease."

[Source: US Patent #5,605,930 Compositions and Methods for Treating & Preventing Pathologics including Cancer filed 3/7/94 Approved 2/25/97 Dr. Divorit Samid; The USA Dept. of HNS page 56]
 

Today, in a town only minutes away from the my home, a 10 year old girl is being forced to undergo chemotherapy treatment against her will and the wishes of her family.  
 
Even after the local County Probate Judge ruled *TWICE* in favor of the girl's parents, the hospital (Akron Children’s Hospital) continued their relentless attack against the family without any regard to what the girl and her family desired.[*][*]
 
After a third try, with inexhaustible funds, the hospital eventually had the ruling overturned and a hospital representative is the currently guardian of the young girl.
 
This story from my own hometown is alarming to say the very least. I mean, I’ve been in that hospital when I was little. My daughter has been in that hospital.
 
What may be more alarming is that this is not the only story of its kind.
 
2013
Ladon Riddle 3yrs
<Click here to read the story>
 
2011
Sarah 9 yrs
Oncologist turned mother into Child Protective Services and forced 13 months of chemotherapy even though she was cancer free.
<Click here to read the story>

 
2009
Daniel Hauser 13yr
A mother and her son fled after a court ruled for forced chemotherapy treatments.  
The parents said they "believe that the injection of chemotherapy into Danny Hauser amounts to an assault upon his body, and torture when it occurs over a long period of time."
<Click here to read the story>
 

2008

11 yr Ontario boy taken from parents
<Click here to read the story>

 

 
 
A more notable case spurned the emotional and compelling 2010 documentary Cut, Poison, Burn where a family was forced to administer chemotherapy to their 4 yr old son, Thomas, after objecting to conventional treatment, choosing instead to seek out less invasive, less damaging, and less life threatening approach.
Their son was cancer free at the time of forced administration of chemotherapy.
Thomas Navarro died during the treatments. His death certificate states the cause of death as: Respiratory failure due to chronic toxicity of chemotherapy.
 
 
Neglect versus Informed Choice

 

Most people, myself included, have had first or second-hand experience with cancer.
 
Whether you’ve watched a mother or friend struggle, or if you happen to be a survivor yourself – then you understand how difficult the battle is.
 
In my experience, in cancer treatment (especially chemotherapy) a key element is the patient having a positive outlook and attitude on the treatment received. Forcing a chil) against their will to undergo horrendous treatment for several months is questionable and will no doubt impact any treatment’s influence over the disease.
 
Obviously, there are cases in which parents act irrationally without data/counsel which seriously neglects the health of a child – but these cases are not relevant to that scenario.
 
Cancer, not that long ago, was a rare disease and now it is a leading cause of death among Americans.
 
Over the century, we have dramatically altered the way we live and eat which is obviously having a significant effect on our (and our children’s) health.
 
Today, the majority of members in our society are freely selecting to adopt unhealthy habits. In fact, we are encouraged to do so – each one of us encouraged to let our children learn and live a lifestyle that promotes disease, while at the same time, we are losing the right to select which medical therapies to treat our children’s diseases with.
 
The majority of chemotherapy drugs used on children and not approved by the FDA for pediatric use and are known to be carcinogenic (meaning it causes cancer).[*][*]
 
 
 

Alternative Treatment

 

If you have witnessed someone going through chemotherapy, you know it is not a health-promoting treatment. Chemotherapy utilizes a mixture of toxins to eliminate and kill cancer cells (which also does not discriminate against the healthy cells in the body).
 
Getting the correct diagnosis is critical and conventional medicine excels at this. Another important factor in curing cancer is to know all your options for conventional and alternative treatments.
 
Chemotherapy is only one of several cancer treatments  - If you are interested in alternative treatments, start here:

Burzynski Clinic

Gerson Institute

Dr.Gonsalez.com

 

 
It can be said with most certainty that when someone donates their time or money to a pink-ribbon walkathon or cancer charity, they believe that are doing a good thing.
 
They believe they are funding cancer research that is vital to curing cancer. However, the money donated to these charities perpetuates the status quo of cancer treatment (namely toxic pharmaceuticals and expensive machines).
 
The National Cancer Institute's annual budget was $5.2 billion (2010).
 
Alternative treatments that are witnessing real progress against cancer do not receive any money from the government or these charities.  
 
The most promising cancer therapies to emerge in the past three decades from the Burzynski Clinic is all self-funded.

Action

If you find what Akron Children’s Hospital is doing to be deplorable, consider going to their facebook page and making a public statement. You find you are not alone – adding your voice to many others who are speaking up.  

Facebook Page: Akron Children’s Hospital

If you have not yet seen the documentary Cut, Poison, Burn – you can purchase it here or view the official trailer:

 

Your Rights (or Lack Thereof) Against Mandatory Vaccine Programs

Mandatory flu vaccine policies are touching more lives than ever right now, especially in the healthcare field – here is why and who is speaking up against it (it might surprise you).

New Hospital Policies

 
New hospital policies on mandatory flu vaccines for its employees is an excellent example of what rights and liberties we really have to say no.
 
As you may be aware of, the newly enacted Affordable Heathcare Act (aka Obamacare) has been implemented. What you may not be aware of is that the Policy establishes a Hospital Value-Based Purchasing program.[*]
 
What the heck does that have to do with flu vaccines and HCWs – well, under the Hospital VBP Program, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will reduce payment amounts depending on if performance standards are reached within that hospital.[*][*][*]
 
What performance standards, exactly?
 
Beginning JAN 1^st (2013), hospitals will be required to submit summary data on influenza vaccination of their healthcare personnel (via the CDC and the National Healthcare Safety Newtork-NHSN).[*]
 
In summary, hospitals will not get fully reimbursement through government funds unless they meet their performance standards for influenza vaccination set by the government.
 
….ahhhhh, now it makes sense why hospital’s ‘care’ so much about their patients being protected from catching the flu from their personnel.
 

No Exemption For You

 

First off, as you may be aware, there are State laws in place that provide exemptions for some populations. Such as:[*]

-children attending day-care centers
-day-care center employees
-schoolchildren
-college students
-hospital patients
-residents of long-term care facilities

 

However, the laws protecting average adults such as myself (and you) are lacking.[*]
 
If the administration at your job decided one day that mandatory vaccination was in the best interest for their bottom line then (unless barring approved medical exemption) you would be required to oblige or face termination.
 
There is no religious or philosophical exemption option for you – even if you State allows these for populations that are listed above.
 
You read that right - no constitutional right exists to either religious or philosophic exemptions for the average person.
 
The liberty secured by the Constitution of the United States to every person within its jurisdiction does not import an absolute right for vaccine exemption. This is considered for the  common good and that an organized society could not exist without “safety to its members”.[*]
 
But what happens when Policy is carried out without scientific evidence supporting it?
 
People start to speak up…
 
 

The Push Back

 
I get it, the strategy for this recommendation is based on the argument (rather than actual data) that because of their proximity to patients, HCW mandatory vaccination protects themselves and their patients from influenza (and complications from it).
 
Unfortunately, the evidence base supporting this mandatory policy is unsound, prejudiced and not supported by existing literature.[*]
 

There are many policies that are carried out that lack evidence, but when real people are losing everything they’ve worked for because of it then people start getting noisy.

 
(And if you have not been affected or know someone who has than it is only a matter of time until you do).

Last year in my state of Ohio, which has a mandate that hospital employees be vaccinated, the healthcare company TriHealth fired more than 150 workers for not complying with influenza vaccine mandates.[*]

Such massive terminations from hospitals do not go unnoticed, National Nurses Union (the largest nurses union in the country) began to speak publicly on its opposition to such mandatory policies required of healthcare workers.

“RNs care deeply about health policies regarding the transmission of the influenza virus in  health care settings, but believe that comprehensive employer-sponsored voluntary vaccination programs can be effective only if extensive education is provided on the risks and benefits of vaccination, the vaccines are conveniently accessible to employees.

Mandatory flu vaccination programs engender distrust and resistance among employees; offer a disincentive to providing vaccination education to employees, and raise ethical and legal questions about the personal employment rights of employees.”[*]  

The National Nurses Union (NNU) joines the Occupational Safety and Health Agency, as well as other major healthcare unions and organizations, who all say there is insufficient evidence for the federal government to promote mandatory influenza vaccination programs that might result in employment termination.[*]

The co-president for the NNU, Karen Higgins, goes on record to state:

“It is unfortunate that for-profit pharmaceutical companies were consulted in this matter yet the voices of the nation’s direct-care hospital RNs have gone unheard. Nurses are calling for an open process to explore the best way to protect patients and healthcare workers, not one that is driven by corporate profits.”[*]

 

The Data

 

Data published just last month (SEPT 2013) from the CDC, illustrates little evidence of protection for patients when a mandatory flu vaccination programs for HCW’s is employed.[*]

In fact, The Cochrane Review analysis found no evidence to support compulsory vaccination of HCW (finding “low or very low levels of evidence”).[*]
 
Data published in 2009 from a meta-analysis review presents NO evidence that the flu vaccine decreases complications, such as pneumonia, or TRANSMISSION.[*]  

This is not only unsettling but outrageous considering hardworking people are losing their jobs and their families are suffering because of this.  
 
Vaccination of healthcare workers to protect vulnerable patients should be viewed as an evidence-based recommendation. Period.

****

Please continue share the stories you come across where nurses or healthcare workers find themselves having to choose between maintaining their financial security or holding on to their personal beliefs and convictions.

  

The post is dedicated to my friend, who has requested to be anonymous because she fears that she will be terminated if this post is seen by her employer.

Below is part of the document she recently received from her employer/hospital. She is currently breastfeeding and has a choice to administered an influenza vaccine or be terminated. Medical exemption does not qualify breastfeeding as a contradiction. All medical exemption must be approved by a review process established by hospital leadership.

Your voice is heard.

A Moth to the Flame - Blinded by the Light

This space has been shaped and transformed by each reader that has touched my life.

In the last 6 years writing and researching, I have yet to clarify the title, Blinded by the Light.

So with that, here is a restricted piece of me, shared and exposed to you.

The Light

The parable of the Moth

 

It is not yet fully understood why moths are attracted to artificial light sources, but there is no denying that moths will float and cluster to a light source without delay once it is presented to them.

 

As a caterpillar, a moth will spend the majority its life devouring it’s sustaining source of life - foliage and leaves.

 

Considered an invasive insect, the caterpillar will eventually shed it’s skin for the last time revealing it’s chrysalis. While inside, the body will break down into imaginal cells which will re-place themselves back into a new shape.

 

When the moth is ready to emerge, the body will work at pulling itself through a small hole, each early attempt will result in failure – progressing ever so slowly, basically unperceivable.

 

Yet, in this delicate state -  if the moth is assisted in any way, you will find the moth to be so badly deformed that it cannot fly and will eventually die shortly after.

 

As we see, this struggle shapes the moth – giving form to the body, forcing the fluid into the wings.

 

It has been theorized that, in fact, moths are not attracted to the artificial light itself. Rather, the moths (like all sighted creatures) see a ‘Mach band’ which is the region surrounding a bright light source that appears darker than the surrounding environment with the aspiration of seeking refuge from predators of the night.

 
Oblivious and unaware to their actual reality, the moth is distracted and disoriented by the artificial light. Feeling secure and protected, the moth seeks sanctuary in the illusion of darkness cast by the brightly lit false light.
 

The Lesson

 

Excerpt from Biocentrism (written by Dr. Robert Lanza, the Chief Scientific Officer at Advanced Cell Technology):

“While I was sitting one night with a poet friend watching a great opera performed in a tent under arc lights, the poet took my arm and pointed silently. Far up, blundering out of the night, a huge Cecropia moth swept past from light to light over the posturings of the actors. ‘He doesn’t know,’ my friend whispered excitedly. ‘He’s passing through an alien universe brightly lit but invisible to him. He’s in another play; he doesn’t see us. He doesn’t know. Maybe it’s happening right now to us.”

 

Are we similar to the huge Cecropia moth? Blundering on in the darkness, oblivious to the Light within us and emanating from all things around us?  

 

Like the caterpillar, we are each profoundly blessed with a transformation onto this plane of existence. We struggle, strive – thrive and become stronger through our experience of life. And like the moth, all the while, artificial light beckons us during our journey – promising false security.

 

The genuine Light is within you, within us.

 

We all return to each other in the end…or rather, what our human comprehension recognizes as the end. Your true Home, my true Home.

We carry a piece of our Home within us – I urge you to recognize and honor the Oneness with everyone and everything you experience today.

 

Blinded by the Light - by Amanda Kulick

 

I traded my Home for wings,

I traded my security to fly.

Now I blunder in the in the darkness.

 

Blinded by the light,

all that I witness outside is false.

For the true illuminating Light is within.

 

No need to pursue Truth,

with fragile wings and courageous flight.

The rhythm of my heart bursts with It.

 

Each pulse comforting me:

I left Home,  

but Home never left me.

 

 

 

 

Why I Won't Ask My Husband To Get A Vasectomy

My husband and I have two beautiful daughters and as much as I love, love, love them – we are done, done, done with having kids.

There are many options available to us and a vasectomy seemed a reasonable, reliable choice.

Before learning more about the procedure, I assumed vasectomies carried a low incidence of side effects with little overall risk.

MY husband and I didn’t know much about vasectomies, just what your average person would know I guess.  And in my experience, most men will not take sufficient effort and time to research the topic of vasectomies. However, this particular procedure influences a delicate function and sensitive area which should be regarded with additional respect, so I took it upon myself to learn on behalf of my husband.

After extensive reading, in my opinion, statistics and information that levels up to nearly 1 in 20 (5%) and higher of chronic conditions/disorders possible – this is too high a risk percentage for me to ask of my husband to carry out when there are other methods available.

Of course, I fully support every couple to make their own choice in such a private matter.

My goal in sharing this information is to create a greater awareness for men (and their partners) about the risks of vasectomy surgery, particularly such longer term pain-related side effects that may not be disclosed properly when prompted by a medical professional.

A Quick Once-Over on the Procedure

The surgical procedure for male sterilization (permanent male birth control) is known as a vasectomy. (Click here to review an interesting read about the history of vasectomies)

The procedure is considered a minor operation under local anesthesia which usually takes 20 to 30 minutes to carry out and involves cutting the tubes that carry the sperm (vas deferens) and sealing them off with sutures or surgical clips. This prevents sperm from mixing with the semen that is ejaculated from the penis.

…and for those of you wondering, an egg cannot be fertilized when there are no sperm in the semen.

After a short recovery at the doctor's office (usually an hour or less), the patient is free to go home and rest (bag of peas, please?).

Recovery usually takes a few days; however, patients are advised to avoid strenuous exercise for a week.

There is normally a two-month wait after the surgery when the semen is tested to confirm a negative sperm result.[*][*][*]

The cost of a vasectomy can range from $800 to $1000 in the US. In the event you change your mind, it will cost you even more – approximately around $6,000-$15,000.[*]  

The Short of It

Short term post procedure complications

Allergic reaction to the anaesthesia used during procedure[*]

A few men will develop itching & hives due to an allergic reaction to anaesthesia[*]

Post-operative pain[*]

All men experience some form of pain in the scrotum, it usually disappears within 2 days, but the scrotum will still be sore for a few more.

Bruising & swelling[*]

This is normal. The bruising and swelling doesn't always happen immediately - it often happens after a few days but in most cases has mostly disappeared after two weeks.

Bleeding[*]

Frequently blood may seep under the skin, so that penis and scrotum appear bruised. If there is no dangerous swelling, this problem usually disappears without treatment within a week or two.

Hematoma [*]

Pooling of blood within the tissue of the scrotum occurs in up to 29 percent of all vasectomy patients. It usually starts within the first week after the procedure, and can cause a painful swelling.

Lasting Pain

Chronic Pain Conditions Following Vasectomy

Post-vasectomy pain syndrome

Post-vasectomy pain syndrome (PVPS) is a chronic and sometimes debilitating condition that can develop immediately or several years after vasectomy.[*]

The incidence of PVPS can range approximately from 10-15% (that’s at least 1 out of every 10 vasectomies).[*][*][*][*]

Considering the high incidence of such a chronic condition, recent recommendations instruct doctors to warn patients there is a risk of long term pain following vasectomy procedures.[*]

The treatment for PVPS (and the other of chronic/persistent pain conditions following a vasectomy) can include conservative treatments (ex. avoidance of sexual activity and anti-inflammatory medications) or surgical methods (ex. removal of the epididymis and vasectomy reversal).

Other Chronic Pain Conditions Following Vasectomy

Persistent pain after the vasectomy procedure has been evaluated in Urological literature as early as the late 1970’s. Here are several studies examining characteristics of chronic genital pain after vasectomy:

Vasectomy Reversal for the Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome: A Clinical and Historical Evaluation

The Journal of Urology DEC 2000

patient’s genital pain complaints included epididymal pain, pain on ejaculation and pain during intercourse.

Vasectomy Reversal for Treatment of the Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome

FEB Clinical Urology 1997

patients complained of testicular pain as a dull ache that increased with sexual arousal, intercourse or ejaculation. A retrospective study of post-vasectomy patients found 33% had chronic testicular discomfort and 15% considered the pain troublesome. The pain was described by some as a dull ache and others as a sharp severe pain. The sharp pain was testicular and could increase in frequency after intercourse.

Chronic Testicular Pain following Vasectomy

British Journal of Urology FEB 1992

5% of the patients complained of pain associated with intercourse.

The incidence of chronic scrotal pain after vasectomy: a prospective audit

BJU International DEC 2007

4% of 488 men had pain with intercourse. Other patients with post-vasectomy pain have required epididymectomy for relief of pain.

Epididymectomy for Post-vasectomy Pain: Histological Review

British Journal of Urology OCT 1991

9 out of 10 patients reported constant pain in either the testes or epididymides.  Four of ten had pain with activity, and three had pain during intercourse.

Uncertainty of Cancer Association

Prostate Cancer Concern

The link with prostate cancer and vasectomy procedures is inconclusive.

With several studies confirming an increased risk, it is medically advised that when a man considers a vasectomy, the uncertain association between cancer risk and the procedure should be a routine part of informed consent.[*][*][*][*]

In 1993, a team of Harvard epidemiologists presented data from two large studies in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). One of the two studies was retrospective, while the other was prospective and followed new patients. Both studies found vasectomy to be associated with a moderately elevated relative risk of prostate cancer that increased with time after the procedure. After more than 20 years, a vasectomized man appeared to be twice as likely to develop prostate cancer as a nonvasectomized man of the same age.[*]

A definitive conclusion has not yet been made regarding cancer risk and vasectomy, as many studies provide no association with cancer and vasectomy.  It is noted however, that the vasectomy procedure with other potential risk factors (such as race, family history, and dietary habits) may link vasectomy as an associated factor (but not causally linked) to the development of prostate cancer as a primary carcinogen.[*]

The studies that have been completed over the last 20 years are inconclusive, yet the medical community agrees that further research is essential.[*][*][*][*]

Infection

While infection after a vasectomy is fairly common, a small number of men do run into trouble after the operation (one study illustrated a 32.9% overall infection rate after vasectomy).[*][*][*]

The most common infection following vasectomy is of the incision site. Infections of the urinary tract and epididymis are also typical. Rarer types of infections can include Fournier's gangrene and endocarditis (an inflammation of your heart's inner lining).[*]

Any infection, particularly with the growing occurrence of bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics, should be treated seriously.

Here is Karen’s story regarding infection after a routine vasectomy procedure on her husband: How a vasectomy operation killed my husband.

Where have all the cowboys gone?

Sperm backup, re-absorption and immune response

When a vasectomy is performed sperm are still produced, however, there is no longer an exit strategy. This results in several peculiar responses from the body:

Congestive Epididymitis

If the re-absorption of backed up sperm fails or is inadequate, the epididymides become enlarged, inflamed and can be quite painful. Epididymitis is one of the more common post-vasectomy complications, occurring in approximately 1 out of every 15 vasectomies. Heat and anti-inflammatory medications (alone or combined with antibiotics) are used to treat this condition. This particular side effect can lead to chronic post-vasectomy pain and can affect a man’s ability to participate in physical activities on a long-term basis.[*][*][*][*]

Anti-Sperm Antibodies

Typically, immune cells will not come in contact with sperm, however, in the event of vasectomy certain barriers are breached an immune response will be mounted.  

Membranes in the epididymis increase in size to break down and absorb matured sperm which triggers the immune system to produce more macrophages and the large majority of men (up to 75%) will develop anti-sperm antibodies.[*][*]

Concern has encouraged researchers into learning more about anti-sperm antibodies and the effects on the body because immune reactions against parts of one's own body can cause disease.[*]

Current knowledge has not yet yielded large concern at this time, nevertheless rheumatoid arthritis, tumor growth, atherosclerosis (clogging of arteries), and multiple sclerosis are just some of the illnesses suspected or known to be caused by immune reactions of this type.[*][*][*]

Granulomas

When sperm leaks out into the scrotum via the cut/damaged vas defrans (the tube that is severed to keep the sperm from entered the semen), another immune response occurs. The sperm is surrounded by a protective mass (granuloma) which is commonly felt as swelling and radiating pain in the groin which can last up to year.[*]

Granulomas occur in approximately 40% of vasectomies, nearly 1 out of every 5 men that has a vasectomy will experience pain that last more than 3 months (described as interfering with daily activities).[*][*][*]

****

Before choosing a vasectomy, a couple should seriously consider the many alternative methods of contraception – particularly when there is risk is chronic pain.

I hope this information helps with creating more awareness of risk that may not be discussed openly/willingly from your medical professional.