Although a vasectomy is a form of permanent birth control for men, women have an important role in the process.
They are heavily involved in reaching a mutual decision to complete their family and will likely be present during the recovery process. While anyone can be a caretaker at this time, our staff wants to offer advice to women who are supporting their loved ones as they heal. Our fertility experts at Affiliated Urologists have made a list of things to keep in mind when the day comes.
1. The effects of the procedure
Once the procedure is over, the patient will likely need to be driven home due to the local anesthesia. Once home, it's important the patient rests for at least three days and doesn't do any heavy lifting. Men may feel very fatigued upon arriving home and may not have much of an appetite, but every case is different.
2. It may be reversible
If a couple has undergone a vasectomy and later decides to expand their family through conventional means, the procedure may be reversible. Our team of fertility experts may be able to undo the procedure through microsurgery, a minimally invasive procedure offered at Affiliated Urologists. More information about infertility options, including vasectomy reversal, can be found here: http://bit.ly/2muW9ei.
3. It doesn’t work right away
Our urologists recommend abstaining from sexual intercourse for at least a week after the procedure, but each body is different and a couple may need to wait longer for swelling to go down. However, a vasectomy is not effective right away and may take about six weeks before the sperm is fully absent from the ejaculate. Men should come in and test their sperm count before having unprotected intercourse.
4. Sexual function is not impaired
Once the man has healed and the sperm has been reabsorbed by the body, the patient should not experience a decrease in their sex drive or lower testosterone levels. In fact, the patient will experience all of the same sensations as before. Sperm is typically only detected at a microscopic level, so the patient can ejaculate the same as before. Even though function remains widely the same, women still have the possibility of getting pregnant as vasectomies are only 99.85% effective. Still, this occurrence is extremely rare.
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 is 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.
