Understanding what’s involved in vasectomy recovery can help relieve any fears you may have going in to the surgery. It can also equip you with everything you need to recover well.
Upon visiting Urology Associates of South Bend, you will have all your questions answered and all your fears eased. But we are happy to offer some of that information here on the blog.
Vasectomy Basics
A vasectomy is a simple and safe procedure that takes as little as 20 minutes to perform. Your doctor will use a local anesthetic, make one or two strategic cuts, and sew you right back up. Easy peasy. What is accomplished by these cuts is the prevention of the sperm from reaching the semen. The best part? This minor surgery is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy!
Vasectomy Recovery
For optimal vasectomy recovery, it’s vital that you follow your surgeon’s instructions. Not only will you maximize the healing process, you’ll allow for the most effective birth-control outcome.
First and foremost, you must rest! This is the number one thing you can do to recover from your vasectomy quickly and fully. Here are several other things your doctor may suggest to help minimize pain and discomfort:
- Ice the scrotum to reduce pain and swelling
- Avoid getting the incision site wet for up to 48 hours
- Use a bandage and close-fitting underwear for up to 48 hours
- No heavy lifting or strenuous work for at least a week
- Limit your overall activity (consider taking a couple days off from work)
- No sexual activity for a week (and remember to use other forms of contraceptive until your doctor confirms the absence of sperm in your semen!)
What’s normal?
It is normal to experience some mild pain and swelling after the surgery. Following your doctor’s advice will help minimize both pain and swelling. Additionally, you can take over-the-counter pain medication to ease discomfort. Most men only need a couple of days to recover but this can vary from one day to a couple of weeks.
What’s not normal?
It is uncommon to experience complications following a vasectomy. But there are a few things you’ll want to look out for as you recover. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away:
- A fever over 100°
- Blood or pus around the incision area
- A great deal of pain or swelling in the scrotum/testicle area
These symptoms could be evidence of an infection. An antibiotic may be prescribed.
Vasectomy Results
As mentioned, a vasectomy is nearly 100% effective! But it is critical that you understand that sperm may still be present for a short period of time. This means that using an alternative contraceptive is essential as you recover and for several weeks following.
Typically around the three-month mark, your doctor will test a sample of your semen to verify sperm count. If there is not a zero sperm count, your doctor will require samples every couple of months. Once the count hits zero, the vasectomy is considered successful!
Vasectomy Clinic in South Bend
Now that you know what to expect, are you ready to schedule a vasectomy? The staff and physicians at Urology Associates of South Bend are professional, highly skilled, and compassionate. We ensure that every client receives the most innovative, effective, and caring options. If you’d like to know more about vasectomy recovery or are interested in setting one up, contact us today for a consultation!