Care After The 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.
