Most men are nervous about the thought of a vasectomy. They’ve spent years protecting their private parts, so the idea of surgery down there seems scary to them.
But the truth is that vasectomies are one of the safest, most effective ways to prevent pregnancy. And they’re incredibly common—about 500,000 men get them every year in the United States alone!
The procedure is performed using local anesthesia, so you don’t feel any pain during or after it, and it takes less than 30 minutes to complete.
What is the average recovery time of vasectomy?
The vasectomy recovery process is often a little bit of a surprise for men. Some men have more pain than they expected, and some don’t have much at all—it really depends on the individual.
After your vasectomy, you’ll have to take it easy for a few days. You can expect to be sore, but you shouldn’t be in any serious pain. Most men are pretty comfortable using over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage their discomfort.
The average recovery time for vasectomy is about a week. Most men are able to return to work as soon as 2 to 3 days after their procedure, but doctors recommend that you take off one week from work at the very least.
The vasectomy procedure is considered “minimally invasive,” which means it doesn’t require stitches or staples and the incision is small enough that you won’t need bandages afterward (although some men choose to wear loose-fitting underwear).
Vasectomies are usually performed under local anesthesia, so you’ll probably feel some soreness and swelling in the first few days after your procedure. The discomfort should subside quickly, but if it doesn’t, or if you develop any other symptoms such as fever or nausea, contact your doctor immediately.
Recovery Tips for Vasectomy
#1 Get Some Rest
After your vasectomy, it’s important to get some rest.
You may be feeling some pain and discomfort after the procedure, but this should go away within a few days.
In the meantime, avoid strenuous activity for at least 48 hours after your procedure. This will help keep your incision from opening up and bleeding again.
It’s also important not to lift anything heavy or do any strenuous exercise for two weeks after your vasectomy.
#2 Elevate your feet
After a vasectomy, it is important to rest and remain in a reclining position for the first 24 hours. The procedure is often done under local anesthesia and can cause some bruising, so it is important to take it easy for the first day or two after the surgery.
It is also important to lay down on your back and elevate your legs for the first 24 hours after a vasectomy. This will help prevent swelling in your scrotum from excessive blood flow to that area.
#3 Wear comfortable clothing
Compression shorts can be helpful for comfort the first couple of days after a vasectomy. They provide support and limit swelling, which can help you feel more comfortable.
#4 Avoid high fat diet
You can eat your normal diet after vasectomy.
You may have heard that you need to change your diet after vasectomy, but this is not true. You can eat your normal diet after vasectomy.
You should avoid eating foods that are high in carbohydrates or fat for a few days after the procedure. If you eat too much fat or carbohydrate, it can cause an inflammation of the vas deferens and make it harder for sperm to flow through the tubes. This may cause pain or swelling, which could delay healing time.
#5 Apply ice pack
To reduce pain, apply an ice pack or cold compress to your scrotum for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, every 4 to 6 hours. Use a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
By day three, you’re on your way to healing and ready to handle nearly all normal activities. However, it is important that you avoid excessive exercise or sexual activity until a week after the surgery — complications can occur if you rush back too soon, ignoring your physician’s instructions.
We’re here to help.
If you’re thinking about having a vasectomy, call us at 480-933-5557. We can help you make an informed decision that’s right for you and your family. If you’re looking for Phoenix vasectomy doctor, book an appointment with Desert Sky Urology.
