Vasectomies often have a bad reputation in the movies and other entertainment mediums, but it’s important to note that this procedure is relatively simple and virtually painless.
In fact, most men don’t experience any pain during the procedure due to the anesthetic. Minor discomfort, swelling, and bruising may develop after a vasectomy, but these symptoms usually subside within a few days.
The point of bringing this up is it to dispel all fallacies associated with vasectomies. It’s completely understandable why men may be apprehensive about undergoing a procedure like this, but vasectomies are much less complicated than most people think.
The team at Affiliated Urologists specializes in the no-scalpel vasectomy approach, which is a simple and safe procedure that uses a unique tool to seal the vas deferens through a single puncture to the scrotum. The procedure typically takes 10 to 20 minutes to complete and patients can return home the same day. Even better, a vasectomy is typically performed in the physician’s office, so there’s no need to visit a hospital or surgery center for the procedure.
If you do undergo a vasectomy, there are a few things you can do to manage your discomfort during the recovery process. Here are our five tips for recovering after a vasectomy
1. Wear Supportive Underwear
Wearing supportive underwear immediately after your vasectomy will help reduce pain caused by increased pressure on the spermatic cords. This will also help support the muscles and other structures surrounding the surgical site, reducing inflammation and tenderness. You should wear supportive underwear until you no longer need them; just be sure to change into a clean pair every day.
2. Limit Activity
While the procedure is minimally invasive, it’s important to follow all of your doctor’s post-procedural orders, like limiting physical activity for at least 48-72 hours. To dive into this a little deeper, you’ll want to rest for 24 hours after your procedure and keep any and all movement afterward light and easy. Sports and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least one week after your vasectomy. Not following these instructions could result in increased pain and spontaneous bleeding from the surgical site.
3. Keep The Surgical Site Clean
This is somewhat of a no-brainer, but it’s imperative you keep the surgical site clean and dry during the recovery period. You should avoid bathing in a tub or swimming for at least 3-5 days after your vasectomy. You may be permitted to shower a day after your procedure, but it’s important you wash your genitals thoroughly and lightly to avoid opening the wound. If you would feel more comfortable covering your genitals in a protective plastic, you may do so.
4. Take Medications as Prescribed
In addition to pain medications, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to reduce your risk of an infection. Take all of your medications as prescribed to avoid post-operative complications. If you have a history of substance abuse or you’re allergic to certain medications, be sure to talk to your doctor about this ahead of time. He may have alternative medicines that will work for your particular situation.
5. Follow All Post-Op Instructions
Lastly, be sure to follow all of your doctor’s post-operative instructions. You may think you’re in the clear several hours after the procedure, but it is possible to re-injure yourself or cause serious damage to the surgical site. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your recovery, do not hesitate to call Affiliated Urologists to speak with a physician.
Affiliated Urologists is an award-winning practice recognized both locally and nationally that has provided service to patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and surrounding communities in the Valley, for over 40 years. The physicians emphasize top-of-the-line comprehensive urological care and strive to deliver the highest outcomes for patient satisfaction. To make an appointment, call 602-264-0608 or visit http://affiliatedurologists.com/contact/ for instructions on scheduling an appointment.
The advice and information contained in this article are for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
