A vasectomy is a form of permanent birth control for men. It involves cutting and sealing the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra. After you heal from a vasectomy, you will still ejaculate when you climax, but your semen won’t contain sperm.
To perform a vasectomy, doctors may use a scalpel, or a special instrument to create a tiny puncture (this is commonly called no-scalpel vasectomy). Studies have shown no-scalpel vasectomies are more comfortable and have an eight times lower complication rate versus the conventional approach using a scalpel. Also, recovery is typically faster with a no-scalpel vasectomy.
Whichever method your doctor uses, when you know ahead of time, you can prepare for the possible issues that may come up after your vasectomy, and avoid possible complications.
Although a no-scalpel vasectomy is a safe, quick and minimally invasive procedure, it still requires some recovery time and preparation for fast and effective healing. Vasectomy recovery is a vital part of the process, and if not followed correctly, it may result in prolonged pain, or even a surprise pregnancy.
This is a critical period in your post-vasectomy recovery. In the first 24 hours after your procedure, you should be resting and avoiding physical activity entirely. During the first few days of recovery, you should expect to feel some slight swelling, discomfort, bruising, or even mild pain in your genital area. Don’t worry, as this is to be expected. In most cases, you can resume light physical activity after two to four days, but this entirely depends on the success of your recovery. If you engage in activity before you should, it can tear stitches or cause bleeding in the scrotum, which can cost you a trip to the ER.
Depending on the kind of work that you do, you should be able to return to work the day after your procedure. This is the case for people who predominantly work behind a desk or counter.
However, if your role involves significant lifting, reaching, stretching, or other physical exertion, you may want to request lighter duties for your first week back, or schedule additional time off.
Some patients may experience blood in their semen upon ejaculation. This is normal in the first few days after the procedure. If the amount of blood seems excessive to you, call the doctor.
You should be able to resume most normal activities in the first week following the procedure, provided you feel comfortable and your surgical site has mostly healed.
You should however, wait at least 48 hours post-op before you shower, provided you pay close attention to cleaning and gently drying your genitals. It is also recommended that you change into a clean pair of underwear at least once daily. This small action will help prevent the risk of infection, as you will have an open wound from the procedure. Wearing a jockstrap for the first week will also help decrease the swelling and improve comfort.
By the end of the first week after your procedure, you should be able to resume moderately vigorous activity (exercise, lifting weights, etc.) and sexual relations using external birth control.
Remember to use birth control if you’re sexually active in the first few months following the procedure. Your doctor still needs to test your semen for sperm before you can safely have unprotected sex without the risk of pregnancy.
Why? This is because your sperm count does not immediately diminish right after a vasectomy – it takes approximately three months before sperm is longer present in your semen.
If you like to swim, you can do so as long as you’re able to remove your bandages without your surgical site opening up, bleeding, or producing excessive pus. Your doctor may suggest avoiding swimming for at least a couple weeks to allow proper healing.
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