Although a vasectomy is one of the safest procedures performed on men, it generates the most questions about recovery. Some side effects can occur when aftercare instructions are not followed. Many alarming or distorted stories can be found on social media – not your best source of information.
Despite some confusion on the subject, you should know that the typical vasectomy, whether performed with conventional surgery or with the advanced “no-scalpel” approach, is a simple procedure with little risk, with a reasonably fast and easy recovery. Read on to learn some of our top vasectomy recovery tips.
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How long will I have to rest and be off work after my vasectomy?
Generally, you should take a few days off work, or longer if your job involves a higher level of physical activity. Dr. Werthman recommends that you rest off your feet for the first 24 hours to reduce the gravitational pull on your scrotum. Most men can return to work in two to three days and resume regular physical activity in about a week.
How long do I need to ice up after the surgery?
Icing the area will reduce inflammation and swelling and is a great vasectomy recovery tip to know. You may not experience much swelling, but everyone is different, and there is no way to be sure ahead of time. Ice the area for 20 minutes, then off for 20 minutes over the first 48 hours. Never apply ice directly to your skin! Wear a jockstrap or restricting underwear during the first two weeks.
When can I go back to the gym?
Give it two weeks. But if you want to get some exercise after week one, no squats, leg presses or ab crunches. Work on your arms, chest, shoulders, and back with routines that do not put stress on the abdomen.
Should I take ibuprofen for the swelling?
Unless you have been told otherwise by Dr. Werthman, based on your medical history, OTC ibuprofen works very well.
When can I have sex again?
You should avoid all ejaculation for at least a week to allow the area to heal. You may still be able to release sperm into your semen, and you are not yet sterile. Sperm that may be residing in front of the cut can take eight weeks to flush away or reabsorb. You will need to have a sperm check after two months to assess your sperm count. So, until you get the go-ahead, intercourse must be performed with a condom.
I have a painful lump in my testicle, and it’s just been a day since the procedure. What do I do?
Dr. Werthman says that this is likely an inflamed reaction of leaking sperm cells and white blood cells. The symptom will probably resolve on its own with ibuprofen. You should be resting in bed, so continue to rest horizontally, with a bag of frozen peas on your groin to reduce the swelling. If this continues or if you experience excessive pain, come in for an examination from Dr. Werthman.
Will my vasectomy affect my sexual performance?
No. It will only prevent conception. Your sexual sensation will not change, nor does your drive, performance, or satisfaction.
Can a vasectomy damage my sex organs?
No. As with any surgery, some risk of complications exist, but they very rarely occur. Always ensure your surgeon is fully-qualified and experienced in performing the procedure.
Does a vasectomy lead to severe pain?
There is minor pain associated with the procedure for some men, but most patients report that the pain is very slight, and disappears within a few days.
Can a vasectomy be reversed?
Dr. Werthman is the top vasectomy reversal surgeon in Los Angeles. If you had a vasectomy and your life circumstances have changed, it is possible to restore your fertility. In many cases, the procedure is simple, called a vasovasostomy. Other men will require more complicated surgery, called a vasoepididymostomy. In either case, you can be very hopeful that fertility can be restored when the reversal surgery is performed by Dr. Werthman.
What are the post-operative risks of a vasectomy?
Dr. Werthman is the top vasectomy reversal surgeon in Los Angeles. If you had a vasectomy and your life circumstances have changed, it is possible to restore your fertility. In many cases, the procedure is simple, called a vasovasostomy. Other men will require more complicated surgery, called a vasoepididymostomy. In either case, you can be very hopeful that fertility can be restored when the reversal surgery is performed by Dr. Werthman.
Now that we have gone over vasectomy recovery tips, here is some information on the risks of vasectomy.
According to Johns Hopkins, a vasectomy is considered very safe but carries some risks, although slight. None of these risks are dangerous, and they all are treatable when they occur.
Risks can include:
- Pain that outlasts the expected recovery time – during the first year after surgery. The discomfort may be due to how your body absorbs the sperm that builds up in the epididymitis or orchitis.
- According to Penn Medicine, there is still a risk of pregnancy if you have sex soon after your procedure. There may be sperm residing beyond where the vas was sealed.
- Sperm granuloma, an inflammatory reaction to sperm cells that have leaked from the incision in the vas and may compress nerves in the area, causing discomfort. A temporary condition, sperm granuloma typically resolves with time, along with OTC anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medication.
- Theoretically, a surgical error when severing of the vas could cause the tube to grow back together and transmit sperm into your semen and make you fertile again. Dr. Werthman has perfected a surgical procedure to ensure this does not occur.
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Schedule a private consultation with male fertility doctor Dr. Phillip Werthman to learn about your male reproduction options and get all of your questions answered.
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