Vasectomy - After Care
Vasectomy after care involves resting, and pain medications with normal activity being resumed after 72 hours
The patient is usually asked to rest for a short time after the procedure (30 minutes to 1 hour). It is very important that the patient is being accompanied by another relative so that on discharge there is someone to accompany them home. It is normal for the patient to feel little drowsy for few hours following the procedure due to the anti-anxiety medicines administered.
The patients are normally advised to take painkiller or place ice packs over the wound (usually covered with a dressing) for 15 to 20 minutes every one hour, for the next 12 hours. This minimizes pain and reduces the swelling following the surgery.
Bed rest for 24-72 hours following the surgery is preferable. It is important to refrain from shower, bathing for 24 hours following the surgery. This prevents the dressing from getting soaked and hence reduces the possibility of an infection.
The dressing is usually left in place for 2-3 days, to absorb the bleeding if any at the site of incision. It is a good idea to get the dressing changed in a local hospital or at home once in every two days. It is very important that patients abide by the instructions for a speedy recovery.
Usually, the patient can resume their normal activities 72 hours after the procedure and are instructed about wearing a scrotal support for a short period (1 week). Some doctors advise patients to resume sexual activity once they feel comfortable. This of course varies from person to person and is dependent on the recovery rate, presence of complications such as infection etc.
Most importantly, the couples must be advised to follow contraceptive precautions until the success of the surgery has been confirmed by semen analysis, (absence of sperms in the ejaculate confirms success of vasectomy) performed 4 to 6 weeks following the procedure.
Any form of vigorous exercise, more specifically bicycle riding should be avoided for 2 to 4 weeks post surgery.
Having had a traditional bi-lateral vasectomy myself over 29 years ago, I can tell you that it is a very easily done procedure with minimal pain. I had my surgery done in very early afternoon and was working already that evening due to the fact that I had to as I was a dairy farmer and had cows to be milked. Other than the milking and routine chores, I did take it easy for several days and tried to ice my scrotum area whenever possible. I had a very quick recovery, went for sperm check in two months and was given the "all clear" for safe sex. Best decision my wife and I did during our entire marriage. Forgot to mention that we had two children and our family was complete before having the vasectomy. I am writing this for educational purposes hoping that it will encourage men contemplating vasectomy to go ahead with it.