After a vasectomy, the patient can go straight home, but he will experience some pain for the first few days. In addition, it takes a few months for vasectomy to become an effective method of contraception, so some precautions need to be taken. However, by following the doctor's instructions and taking care of himself, the man will increase the chances of a quick and complete recovery.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Managing Pain After Vasectomy
Step 1. It is normal to have mild pain and swelling
After surgery, the patient will have some discomfort and swelling in the scrotum, and may notice some discharge from the incision site in the surgery. This is normal and should improve on its own after a few days. Use gauze or bandages as needed and when recommended by your doctor.
- Examine the scrotum with a hand mirror once or twice a day to see how it is healing. If the swelling gets worse and you notice a lot of redness or bruising that doesn't get better, see your doctor for a reassessment.
- The healing process is usually uncomplicated and the scrotum's appearance should return to normal after a few days.
Step 2. Take anti-inflammatories whenever they are needed
Over-the-counter and pain-fighting drugs like Tylenol (acetaminophen) will do the trick; if you feel you need a stronger medicine to reduce pain, make an appointment with your doctor so that he or she prescribes a more potent anti-inflammatory. However, most men will have no major problems using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs and will not need stronger drugs.
It is recommended that the patient avoid ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) and aspirin to control pain, as these medications can negatively interfere with vasectomy healing
Step 3. Use an ice pack to control pain and swelling
For the first two days after the procedure, apply ice to the scrotum for 20 minutes every hour. Then use ice as needed to control pain and swelling.
- Applying ice helps to reduce inflammation and swelling. Therefore, the compress also reduces discomfort and pain.
- The recovery process will be more effective when the application is made soon after the end of the vasectomy.
Step 4. Support the scrotum
Do not remove your doctor's dressing for at least 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Wearing tight underwear or a cup (genital shield) is also a good idea, as they help to reduce discomfort and protect the area.
Step 5. Be patient
After a week, most of the bothersome symptoms - such as swelling and pain - should disappear. However, it is important to contact your doctor if manifestations persist or if you notice signs of complications such as an infection.
- Fever, bleeding, pus at the operated site and worsening pain or swelling are some of the most frequent postoperative symptoms of infection.
- Other complications that should be taken into account are: persistent bleeding more than 48 hours after surgery (or the formation of a large hematoma in the scrotum), the appearance of a sperm granuloma (basically, a harmless mass that forms in the testes as an immune response) and persistent pain.
Part 2 of 2: Making Lifestyle Changes After Vasectomy
Step 1. For a few days, avoid taking blood-thinning medications
If you need to take this type of medication, ask your doctor what should be done, as these medications increase the risk of postoperative bleeding.
The amount of time that the patient should not take the medicine varies with each person and because of the reason for taking it. The doctor should indicate after how many days he should go back to taking normal medications
Step 2. Get plenty of rest
One of the most important aspects of recovering from a vasectomy is rest, taking a few days off from work or everyday activities to facilitate healing. Unless he is physically demanding or lifts heavy materials, within two or three days the patient will be able to return to work. However, when tasks require you to lift heavy objects, talk to your doctor about how long you will need to rest.
- Try not to do too much during the first two or three days after the procedure, and always ask relatives and friends to help you relax and recover.
- Avoid activities as much as possible after the vasectomy. It is advised not to perform physical activities for up to five days after the operation and to avoid lifting heavy loads for at least a week.
- Lifting very heavy objects puts a lot of stress on the area, interfering with the healing process. After five days, the patient can go back to light exercise and resume routine activities after two or three weeks of surgery.
Step 3. Avoid any form of sexual activity for seven days
Ejaculation will produce pain and may even lead to bleeding in the early stages after the vasectomy, so it is advisable to avoid sexual intercourse for seven days after the procedure.
- Once you decide to resume sex - after at least a week and when you feel comfortable and at ease - do not forget that you will need to use a contraceptive method until you return to the doctor, who will perform tests to confirm that the sperm count is zero. It usually takes 20 ejaculations after surgery for residual sperm to be completely eliminated.
- Overall, vasectomy does not cause any change in a man's sexual function. Many are concerned about the procedure's ability to affect desire, erectile function, and the sensations that lead to orgasm. However, several studies have been done to confirm that none of these factors are impacted by vasectomy.
- Studies show that women's sexual satisfaction increases after their partners have a vasectomy. Since the man knows that there is no risk of an unwanted pregnancy, his confidence can increase.
- Be aware that there is still a very small risk (0.1% per year) of becoming pregnant even after surgery. Even after "disconnecting" the vas deferens from each other, there is a tiny chance that sperm will pass and impregnate the woman. However, the chance is so small that vasectomy (or tubal ligation, which is the corresponding procedure for women) is still considered the most effective form of birth control for couples who have decided not to have any more children.
Step 4. For 24 to 48 hours after vasectomy, do not enter swimming pools
Depending on the technique used by the physician in the procedure, the scrotum may still have stitches. To avoid infections, it's best not to water them for a day or two after surgery.
Ask the doctor when it is possible to wash the area again or swim again
Tips
Don't be afraid to ask others for help during the first few days of recovery. It's very important to rest and be calm during the early stages of recovery from surgery, so it's okay to ask relatives or friends to help you
Notices
- When choosing over-the-counter medications, Tylenol (acetaminophen) is the best option, as well as being safe for the situation. Aspirins and ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) are not recommended as they can negatively impact vasectomy healing.
- Follow the doctor's instructions, especially those related to activities allowed during recovery. Not getting enough rest can lead to more bleeding into the scrotum and cause pain.
