|  | Surgeries Operations | Surgeries

What to Do After a Vasectomy?

According to the American Foundation for Urologic Disease, half a million vasectomies are performed in the United States every year. A procedure designed to permanently sterilize a man who wishes to remain sexually active without fathering children, it's popular for married couples, since female sterilization is a more complicated procedure. Proper aftercare following a vasectomy can lead to a speedy recovery and prevent infection.

  1. Immediately After a Vasectomy

    • Patients who undergo a vasectomy are told to rest. For many active men, this might be the most difficult assignment. Vasectomies are generally done on a Thursday or Friday, to avoid interfering with a work schedule. Resting can prevent damage to the incision and helps the body fight infection.

    Swelling After Vasectomy

    • Ice packs applied in 15 minute increments can reduce the swelling after a vasectomy, as can Ibuprofen. Do not take any medication without your doctor's consent.

    Pain Relief After Vasectomy

    • In the first few days following a vasectomy, a doctor might prescribe pain killers to be taken as needed. Tylenol is also an option for pain relief. Pain can be a sign that the body needs more rest, and be careful not to overexert while using pain killers. For this reason, many doctors choose a pain killer that causes drowsiness.

    Caring for Vasectomy Incision

    • With a no-scalpel vasectomy (NSV), there are a small number of stitches where the vas deferens (sperm transporting vessel) was removed to be cauterized or cut. With a traditional vasectomy, there is a longer incision. Both must be kept clean. A NSV generally heals faster. Antibiotic ointment is often applied for the first few days to keep the area clean and the bandages from sticking. After that, the area should be kept clean and dry for air circulation and healing.

    Sex After Vasectomy

    • Men generally resume sexual relations within a week. But sperm still might be present at that time, and physicians advise men to continue using other methods of contraception until their sperm count has been analyzed.

    Verifying Sterilization After Vasectomy

    • Generally after eight to 12 weeks, the doctor will perform a semen analysis to verify the procedure was a success. The patient is instructed to ejaculate into a cup, and the contents are analyzed under a microscope to verify that there is no sperm (or only immobile sperm) present.

Surgeries - Related Articles