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Care After a Vasectomy
Someone may drive you home. Any discomfort is usually mild and pain relievers should be used if needed. The local anesthetic begins to wear off after an hour or so.
Recovery time after a No-Scalpel Vasectomy is usually less than after a traditional vasectomy. To ensure a speedy recovery, here are general guidelines for the patient who has had an uneventful vasectomy (look to your own physician for specific instructions):
- Apply an ice pack or package of frozen peas or such vegetable to the scrotum for the first 24 hours after the procedure.
- Stay off your feet as much as possible for a couple of days.
- Wear snug cotton briefs or athletic supporter to help apply pressure against the procedure area and for support of the scrotum for the first week or two after the procedure.
- Avoid heavy lifting or exercise for at least one week. Physicians commonly allow a return to work within three days unless the job involves physical exertion. In general, avoid activities that cause discomfort.
- Wait at least a week to resume sexual activity.
- Your semen will be collected (usually at home) and examined under a microscope at approximately four to six weeks and possibly later after surgery to assure that no sperm remain. It is important that you use some form of birth control until your doctor states that you are sterile.
The doctor should be contacted for:
- fever and chills
- a large black and blue area
- increasing pain
- drainage (sign of infection)
- a growing mass (sign of internal bleeding or infection)
- other concerns.
A vasectomy will not affect your manliness. The amount and appearance of semen ejaculated will not change noticeably. Sex will feel the same and be more worry-free.
