Vasectomy is becoming normal for people who do not want their kids. Believe it or not but not every person wants kids. If you have a vasectomy and want recovery tips? Worry no more because we have listed 5 vasectomy recovery tips.
- Proper Rest
One of the best things you can do to recover faster after a medical procedure is to have proper rest. Doctors recommend dedicating at least 48 hours of the full recovery period to bedtime rest. The recovery period is estimated to be between 8-9 days depending on several factors such as tissue healing and personal perception of pain. The best way to rest is lying down while raising your feet. This will encourage blood circulation to your lower abdomen making it easier for you to heal faster.
The main reason why doctors encourage resting is to help patients stay off their feet. You should, therefore, avoid strenuous exercise and activities such as physical exercises and heavy lifting. Such activities strain the muscles around your scrotum and put pressure on the wound thereby undermining the healing process. Even though sleeping on your back is not encouraged it helps to minimize exposure on your delicate testicles. You can also sleep on either side but ensure that you put a pillow between your knees to reduce pressure on your genitals.
According to The Iowa Clinic, a vasectomy is not expected to have an impact on sexual functioning. After the procedure, it is advisable to keep activity to a minimum for at least the first two days, and then gradually resume activities as much as you can tolerate them. Avoid engaging in anything strenuous, such as heavy lifting. Resting and lying down as much as possible during the first 24 hours is recommended. It’s essential to listen to your body and rest when you feel tired. Adequate sleep is crucial for a smooth recovery. For safety, it is advised to limit the level of activity for at least 48 to 72 hours.
- Keep the Area Clean and Dry
If you are probably wondering how you are going to shower or take a bath after undergoing a vasectomy don’t worry it is quite easy. To begin with, you are not allowed to shower immediately after the procedure. Many doctors recommend waiting for a day or so before you can bathe or shower. This brings us to another reason why you should refrain from strenuous physical activities. It is because such activities will naturally lead to excessive sweating prompting you to clean yourself.
After the 48 hours are over and your doctor may clear you to shower if everything is fine. During your shower ensure that you clean the area gently with soap and look-warm water. Ensure that the area is dry by patting it gently with a soft towel. However, you should not bathe in a tub of water and avoid swimming for at least one week after your procedure.
As per a report published on the University of Virginia website, after 24 hours of the vasectomy procedure, you can have a wash or shower and remove the dressing. Ensure that the area is thoroughly dried, and if the wound is not dry, apply a clean dressing. If needed, you can get Melolin non-stick dressings from any chemist and apply the shiny side to the wound. Following that, it’s essential to maintain proper cleanliness in the groin area to prevent infection. However, it’s recommended to stick to showering and avoid using the bathtub for three to four days after the procedure. This will aid in a safe and smooth recovery after a vasectomy.
- Handling Discomfort
A little discomfort is common during your recovery period, but everything will be back to normal once you heal. One of the best things you can do to minimize discomfort is by wearing comfortable underwear. You can also put on a jockstrap every day and night for five days or a period recommend recommended by your doctor. Supportive underwear helps to minimize pressure on the spermatic cords which are affected during a vasectomy. Tight-fitting but comfortable underwear provides the much-needed support on the scrotum and reduces discomfort.
Sometimes you may experience pain and discomfort due to swelling or bruises on the scrotum. In such a case you should place an icepack on your scrotum at regular intervals during the day for the swelling to do down. You can also use pain relievers or relief medication to help with pain and irritations. Take the prescribed medications exactly as instructed by your surgeon to keep infections at bay.
- Sex After Vasectomy
The recovery period after vasectomy can last for up to two weeks depending on several factors. Most men are eager to have sex after the recovery period but they are afraid of how things will turn out. You should avoid any sexual activities such as intercourse or masturbation during your entire recovery period. Otherwise, the incisions might open up allowing bacteria to penetrate the wound and cause infections. Condoms will also not help protect the incisions because they are way too far beyond the condom opening.
Your doctor can clear you to engage in sex after the recovery period but this doesn’t mean that you can’t make a woman pregnant. This is because some sperms began the journey from the testicles to the penis long before the procedure. As a result, they may need about 15 to 20 ejaculations to clear depending on how active you are sexual. Sex is also an integral part of the recovery period and therefore you should not panic if you see traces of blood in your first few ejaculations.
- Handling Complications and Risk
While severe complications during vasectomy are rare, it is possible to develop minor complications that are easily manageable at home. You are likely to experience discharge or bleeding especially during the first 48 hours after the surgery. This is normal and if the wound is dressed properly it should subside after some time. You may also experience swelling and pain on the scrotum which may continue longer than expected or get worse. In such a case, or when you develop chronic pain you should schedule a follow-up appointment with your surgeon or urologist.
Vasectomy patients may also develop granuloma, which is a lump that develops near the incision site on the scrotum. It is non-cancerous and harmless and shouldn’t be a cause of concern. However, if you are uncomfortable with it, then you should discuss it with your doctor on how to have it removed. However, you should seek immediate medical attention when you develop a fever, inability to urinate, or any form of infection.
Bonus Tips Submitted By Viewers
- Promote circulation
Vasectomy involves the shearing and sealing of the tube that transport sperm from the testicles to the urethra during ejaculation. This procedure prevents sperm outflow afterward.
After vasectomy, the wound needs to heal quickly. Most urologists give two days for the resumption of normal duties. But you require about six months for complete healing to occur.
So to shorten the recuperation duration, you need to promote circulation to the surgery area. For this to happen, sufficient and efficient blood and nutrition must reach the trauma area.
You can promote this via relaxation. Resting allows the nerves to dilate and increase blood flow to the area.
How you sit matters. Normal sitting position restricts veins. So you have to recline and lift your legs a bit. You can also lie down but elevate your legs slightly.
What these do is increase blood flow to the groin. With sufficient blood, new cells are produced and the damaged ones are repaired quickly.
These factors promote quick healing.
- Wear loose and clean attire
Even though the surgery is complete, the surgeons would bandage the place, which will still radiate pain from the area.
The last thing you want is to constrict the area with tight clothing. Also, you don’t want to leave it free, as this leaves the organ exposed to the elements. Not putting anything means that there will be much disturbance when you move around.
The sore location requires adequate aeration and little disturbance. So you have to cushion it with comfortable clothing.
Thus the cloth you select should be loose and of cotton fabric. Lose dress allows low-intensity contact with the scrotum. Still, the cotton texture is excellent in promoting proper ventilation in and out of the location.
According to an interview posted on the Iowa Clinic website, Dr. Rosenberg suggests that supportive but loose underwear, such as loose shorts, can provide comfort in the first couple of days after a vasectomy. As the area heals, it is advised to switch to extra loose-fitting clothing like sweatpants until you feel comfortable in tighter clothes again. In general, wearing comfortable clothing is recommended for a smoother recovery.
You don’t want sweat build up in the area and any form of discomfort arising as a result.
Still, the cloth has to be clean and sterile. This prevents the propagation of infections and thus promotes quick recovery.
In conclusion, we provided five vasectomy recovery tips for men who would be going under vasectomy. We hope that these recovery tips can help you make notes on dos and don’ts and that you are able to recover quickly.
SIMILAR QUESTION
What Are The Don’ts After A Vasectomy?
Introduction
Vasectomy is a permanent form of male birth control. It is done by cutting and sealing the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles. The procedure is quick and relatively painless and is usually performed in a doctor’s office. After a vasectomy, it is important to pay attention to your body and follow the instructions given by your doctor in order to ensure a successful recovery. It is also important to know what not to do after a vasectomy in order to avoid any complications.
Don’ts After a Vasectomy
- Do not engage in strenuous physical activities for several days after the surgery. This includes activities such as lifting heavy objects, running, or any other activity that could put undue strain on your body. It is important to take it easy for at least a few days after the procedure.
- Do not have unprotected sex for at least three months after the surgery. During this time, sperm may still be present in the semen, and can cause pregnancy. It is important to use other forms of birth control until you get a clear test result from your doctor.
- Do not take hot baths or use a sauna or steam room. Heat and steam can increase swelling and cause discomfort in the area.
- Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen for pain relief. Aspirin and ibuprofen can thin the blood and increase the risk of bleeding.
- Do not ignore any signs of infection. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pain, fever, or discharge. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor right away.
Conclusion
Vasectomy is a very effective form of male birth control, but it is important to follow the instructions given by your doctor after the procedure. Knowing what not to do after a vasectomy can help ensure a successful recovery and prevent any unwanted complications.
