Everything you Need to Know About Vasectomy Recovery

Don’t Let Vasectomy Recovery Scare You Away From an Effective Solution!

For a procedure that takes a mere 20 minutes, but has close to a 100% success rate in preventing pregnancy, it’s no wonder that the vasectomy is a preferred method of birth control. And, despite being the brunt of jokes and puns like, “Happy Vasectomy! Hope you feel zippy!

‘Cause when I had mine, I got real snippy,” vasectomy recovery is not the monster it can sometimes be made out to be. In fact, recovery often requires little downtime and a result is a permanent form of birth control without the hassle of prophylactics and other cost-prohibitive methods of contraception.

Don’t Let Vasectomy Recovery Scare You Away From an Effective Solution!

Generally, a vasectomy can be performed in a doctor’s office or local surgery center. Prior to the surgery your urologist or doctor will explain the full procedure, which ultimately ensures the sealing of the vas deferens, to prevent sperm from encountering semen. On the day of the surgery, a local anesthesia and numbing agent will be applied to help minimize pain and discomfort.

It’s perfectly normal, following a vasectomy to experience swelling and mild pain. Adhering to post-procedure instructions will maximize vasectomy recovery, so it’s vital to follow the protocol of your surgeon. Doing so, will not only secure optimum recovery but will also increase the effective outcome of a successful form of birth control. Only one to two women become pregnant after their partner has recovered from a vasectomy.

Maximize Vasectomy Recovery

One of the best first steps to take following a vasectomy procedure is rest! In addition to taking it easy, your doctor may suggest:

• Ice to the scrotum to help reduce pain and swelling
• Avoid showering or getting the incision site wet (up to 48 hours)
• Application of a bandage and close-fitting underwear (up to 48 hours)
• No heavy lifting or work for at least a week
• Limited activity (it’s best to take a couple days off from work)
• No sexual activity for a week (and it’s important to use alternative contraception until your doctor has confirmed the absence of sperm in your semen)

Medication may be prescribed, such as an antibiotic, to prevent infection and often a mild pain reducer like acetaminophen is suggested. Again, the best thing you can do following a vasectomy is rest. Within a couple of weeks, you should be able to resume an active lifestyle.

Long-Term Results

It’s critical to reiterate to vasectomy recipients that sperm may still be present in the semen for a short period of time. Typically around the three month mark, your doctor will ask for a semen sample to verify sperm count. Until there is a zero sperm count, your doctor will require continued samples every couple of months and to prevent pregnancy, alternative forms of birth control should be utilized.

Once a vasectomy has been proven successful (with the absence of a sperm count,) many couples are pleased knowing they are at little to no risk of pregnancy occurring.

At Urology Associates of South Bend Vasectomy Clinic, our staff and physicians are professional, highly skilled and compassionate. We ensure that every client is treated with the most innovative, effective, and caring options. If you’d like to know more about vasectomy surgery and recovery, please call us today 574-234-4100. We would love to set up a consultation for you.

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