Vasectomy Procedure & Recovery: What to Expect after Vasectomy?

There is a surgical procedure known as Vasectomy that makes a man permanently unable to get any woman pregnant. This procedure involves cutting or blocking the two tubes, known as vas deferens, so that sperm can no longer get in to the semen. More about the vasectomy procedure and recovery will be discussed in the following arrays of the article.

During a vasectomy surgery, the vas deferens from each testicle of the patient is clamped, cut or otherwise sealed which in turn prevents sperm from mixing with the semen that is ejaculated from the penis. When there is no sperm in the semen, an egg cannot be fertilized. Though the testicles continue to produce sperm, but the sperm are reabsorbed by the body. It must be mentioned that it generally takes some months after a vasectomy for all remaining sperm to be ejaculated or reabsorbed. You must use other methods of birth control meanwhile, until you have a semen sample tested that shows zero sperm count.

Vasectomy procedure can be carried out by two ways. They are incision methods and No-incision method. The Incision type of vasectomy takes around 20 minutes, however the no-incision method takes less time. Let us know more about these procedures below.

1. Incision Methods of Vasectomy Procedure:

   Generally, in the incision method of vasectomy procedure, a local anesthetic is injected in to the pelvic area of the man. Then, the doctor makes an incision on each side of the scrotum so as to reach each vas deferens or the tubes that carry sperm. Sometimes, a single incision is made in the center. Each tube is then blocked. In most vasectomy procedures of incision method, a small section of each tube is removed. Tubes may be tied off or blocked with surgical clips. Or else, they may be closed using an instrument with an electric current.

2. No-Incision Method of Vasectomy Procedure:

   In case of no-incision or no-scalpel method, the skin of the scrotum is not cut. Just one tiny puncture is made so as to reach the vas deferens. The tubes are then tied off, cauterized or are blocked. The tiny puncture heals quickly. It does not require any stitches and no scarring occurs. This method reduces the bleeding and also decreases the possibility of infection, bruising and several other complications.

Recovery mostly depends on the person’s general health and lifestyle. Most men lose little or no time from work because of their vasectomy surgery. Some may require a day or two to rest before beginning their work. Individuals undergoing vasectomy must avoid strenuous work or exercise at least for a week. However, some rare side effects or complications of vasectomy may require more days at home stay for men. But again, these side effects could be eradicated with prompt medical attention.

For most men, sexual activity begins soon after a week. However, some other can have sex even earlier. However, it must be noted that it takes at least 3 months to clear all the sperms of your system. So if you do not want to pregnant your lady then try some other birth control options till then.

Now, if you are concerned about what you should expect after vasectomy then this section is going to help you.

• Your scrotum will be numb for about 2 hours after the vasectomy procedure. You need to apply cold packs to the area and lie on your back as much as possible for you that day. You may find some discomfort and to eradicate this discomfort you can wear snug underwear or a jockstrap which will ease discomfort and protect the treated area.
• Few people might experience some swelling and also minor pain in the scrotum for some days after vasectomy surgery. So, unless you are not working strenuously after surgery, you will be able to return back to your work in 2 days or so. Make sure you avoid heavy lifting, at least for one week.
• There may also be some rare side effects of vasectomy procedure which may include sperm granulomas, post vasectomy pain syndrome etc.
• You must also be cautious while taking medicines. Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen etc, at least for one week before the vasectomy procedure and also avoid taking aspirin even after one week of vasectomy. In order to relieve pain you can take acetaminophen.
• You can resume sexual intercourse soon you are comfortable, usually it takes about a week. Keep it noted that vasectomy will not interfere in your sex drive, ability to have erection, orgasm or ability to ejaculate.
• One of the most important things that you need to be made aware is that not to expect that vasectomy will work right away. You will have to wait for at least 3-4 months before the sperm will be cleared from both your vas deferens. This is why you should try other birth control options and wait till you visit the doctor’s office once again after several months and find zero sperm count in your semen.

Vasectomy is a very effective (99.85%) birth control method done on men. However there may be some long term side effects of the procedure which must be known and necessary treatments must be taken so as to correct the problems after vasectomy.

If you are interested in getting a vasectomy surgery then talk with an expert medical professional or consult with your family doctor, or an urologist and follow their advises.