Recovering From A Vasectomy

For most men the vasectomy operation is quick and might take between ten to fifteen minutes and is done inside of the doctor’s office. Once the operation is complete you will need to have a friend or spouse drive you home where you can rest for two days even if they think they feel perfectly fine.

The majority of men who have a vasectomy will have the ability to go back to work after two to three days unless they require heavy labor. In jobs such as this it is important that you take a week for post vasectomy care. It is not uncommon to experience some soreness around this time. There are mild painkillers that you can take which will help to alleviate this.

Post Vasectomy Care

• During the first week after the vasectomy you need to follow these instructions carefully even after you have gone back to work. This will help you to heal properly, reduce soreness, and avoid post vasectomy pain.
• You need to wear the scrotal support that your doctor gave you except when you are sleeping or if it is too uncomfortable.
• Ask your doctor when you are ready to start taking showers. In most cases the wait is one or two days. You must not take a bath or swim for at least two days after the procedure.
• For the first two days you should stay off your feet as much as possible.
• Three to four days after the procedure would be the best time to take twenty minute baths.
• Place an ice pack on the area for twenty minutes each hour for the first two days except when you are sleeping. On the third day use the ice pack for twenty minutes during the evening. When using the ice pack try to place it in between the underwear and the scrotal support.
• Do not lift anything heavier then fifteen pounds. No walking, exercising, sports of any kind, sexual intercourse, or exertion of any type.
• Remember to keep the incision clean and dry at all times. Clean it using antibacterial soap for the first two days.
• At the opening of the scrotum you should apply clean gauze with antibiotic ointment on it for the first day or two.
• To help with soreness and post vasectomy pain take two tablets of Tylenol as directed.
• No sexual intercourse or ejaculation for at least a week after the procedure.
• No alcohol consumption for two days.
• You need to take anti-inflammatory medication two days after the vasectomy for at least four days even if you feel all right. Only stop if you have a reaction to it.
• If the pain is intense or you notice any type of uncontrollable bleeding and swelling around the opening of the scrotum then you should contact your doctor right away.