What is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a surgical procedure for male sterilization, where the vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles) are cut or blocked to prevent the release of sperm during ejaculation.
Is a vasectomy permanent?
It is a permanent form of birth control and is typically done as an outpatient procedure with local anesthesia taking about 30 minutes. After a vasectomy, sperm is still produced but is reabsorbed by the body instead of being ejaculated.
Is a vasectomy reversible?
It is a highly effective form of contraception, but it is important to consider that it is usually irreversible. It is important to be certain about not wanting to father any more children before undergoing the procedure.
What is the recovery like for a vasectomy?
Immediately following the procedure, the following do’s and don’ts can help keep your pain and discomfort under control:
- Do wear tight underwear to secure your genital area and avoid injury or stitches falling out.
- Do gently press an ice pack or cold compress against your scrotum for 20 minutes several times a day to relieve pain and swelling. Make your own cold compress at home with a frozen bag of vegetables and a thin washcloth.
- Do keep an eye on the surgical site. Seek medical attention if you notice a lot of pus, redness, bleeding, or worsening swelling during the first couple days.
- Do take pain-relieving medication. Try acetaminophen (Tylenol) for any pain and ibuprofen (Advil) for swelling. Avoid blood thinners like aspirin (Bayer) or naproxen (Aleve).
- Don’t bathe right away. Wait about a day or so to shower or bathe, unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.
- Don’t lift anything over 10 pounds, exercise, or have sex to avoid reopening your incisions for the first few days.
- Do take it easy for the first week to reduce the risk of complications or prolonged healing time.
In the first 48 hours (about 2 days) following your procedure, the following can help improve your recovery:
- Rest. Lie on your back as much as possible to keep from straining your scrotum.
- Keep monitoring your symptoms. If you have fever or increased pain and swelling, seek medical attention.
- Don’t do any heavy lifting or exercise. This can irritate the surgical site and cause blood to leak into your scrotum.
Possible complications of this procedure include:
- Bleeding or discharge from the surgical site after 48 hours (about 2 days)
- Pain or swelling that doesn’t go away or gets worse
- Sperm granuloma, a benign growth in your testicles that is not harmful
- Blood in your urine
- Nausea or loss of appetite
Seek emergency medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Infection
- Inability to urinate
A vasectomy is a highly successful outpatient procedure with few complications and a quick recovery time. The exact time it takes to fully recover may differ from person to person, but you’ll most likely be able to resume your normal daily activities after one to two weeks. See your doctor right away if you have any complications or call the office with any concerns.
Remember: It usually takes several months for your semen to be completely rid of sperm. Three months after your vasectomy, the physician recommends you leave a semen sample to check if there is still sperm in your semen. Do not have unprotected sex until your doctor confirms there is no sperm found in your semen sample.
To further discuss your options, please call The Iowa Clinic Urology Department at 515.875.9800 or schedule your vasectomy online.