So, you have decided to get a vasectomy. We know this decision was not made lightly. You have probably put a lot of thought and consideration into making this decision. A vasectomy is a great option for those looking for a permanent and incredibly effective form of birth control.
If this is what you are looking for then a vasectomy could be a great option for you, however, speaking with a vasectomy doctor in Dayton, Ohio will further confirm this.
Now that you have decided to take the leap, you probably have some questions. If you haven’t already done the research you can find out more about the vasectomy procedure here. But knowing the surgery is one thing. Knowing what to do afterward is another.
Vasectomy recovery is a vital part of the process. And if you don’t follow it correctly, you can end up with prolonged pain, or even a surprise pregnancy.
The First Days of Recovery
The first three days after a vasectomy are all about rest. If you’re feeling good, it can be tempting to return to regular activity, but don’t make this mistake.
You should spend most of the first 48 hours post-surgery sitting down, icing your scrotum with your feet elevated.
You may have some swelling, mild pain, or bruising during the first few days. Icing will help reduce swelling and inflammation in the affected area. Take pain medication as needed—generally, over-the-counter painkillers are sufficient. Also, wearing tight-fitting underwear can help reduce discomfort.
Ignoring this rest period can result in prolonged side effects or further complications.
The First Weeks of Recovery
After the first few days, you no longer have an excuse to lay on the couch all day. You can get back to work and life as usual, as long as you aren’t doing any vigorous activity. This means if your job involves heavy lifting or anything strenuous, you actually may need to take a week or two off.
You should also take it easy in the gym for the first couple of weeks. No weightlifting or running until the third or fourth week after the surgery.
Most importantly, you still won’t be cleared to have sex. You will need to take a week or two to recover. Additionally, your vasectomy won’t yet be a reliable form of birth control.
The First Months of Recovery
After the initial 2-3 week recovery period, you should be feeling normal and can get back to all regular activities, including sex. However, there’s one caveat: you must use birth control.
Even though you just had a vasectomy, sperm can live in your vas deferens for months after getting snipped. So to avoid a surprise pregnancy, you need to use another form of birth control for the first few months.
It takes about 20-30 ejaculations for sperm to clear out your system, or about three months. How can you know for sure it’s all clear? Well, We recommend a semen analysis to count the sperm after a vasectomy. This will verify that the semen has all died or been cleared out of the vas deferens.
. Once you get the all-clear, you won’t need birth control. Your vasectomy recovery is complete.
Seeing a Urology Doctor For a Vasectomy
Though a vasectomy is a simple surgery, there are phases of recovery. Make sure you follow each phase correctly to ensure you recover properly and avoid unnecessary pain, discomfort, or surprise pregnancy. At Urology Specialist of Ohio, we support you through each step of the vasectomy process from preparation to recovery. Contact our team of urologists for a consultation today.