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What is Vasectomy Recovery Like?

The no-needle no-scalpel vasectomy is a quick, minimally invasive outpatient procedure that takes 10-15 minutes. It is fail-safe on a majority of patients and highly unlikely to cause complications.

“At Advanced Urology Institute, we conduct no-needle no-scalpel vasectomies with very high success rates,” says Dr. Yaser Bassel, a board certified urologist at Advanced Urology Institute, Tampa, Florida. “It’s basically a 10-15 minute office procedure done under local anesthesia,” he adds.

What does the procedure involve?

During a no-needle no-scalpel vasectomy, you undress from the waist down and cover yourself using a sheet. Your skin is sterilized with antiseptic, and then sterile drapes are placed around your scrotum.

With the surgical site—the scrotum—numbed using an external agent, your urologist uses a device called a hemostat to expose your vas deferens through the skin of your testes. The vas deferens is then sealed to prevent sperm flow into semen. After sealing off your vas deferens, the surgeon bandages your scrotum—no closing of sutures is necessary.

Is the procedure painful?

The sensation associated with the procedure is comparable to a rubber band snapped at the entry site. You will feel some tugging as the vasectomy is done, but you should not expect to have any sharp pain.

Soon after the procedure, you can expect some mild discomfort. The discomfort may intensify as the anesthesia wears off, usually one or two hours after your procedure.

“The tenderness and soreness can be managed effectively with over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses,” says Dr. Yaser Bassel. “It is advisable that you speak with your doctor about any pain, redness, soreness, or discomfort you may experience after the procedure.”

Likewise, you should make sure to read your urologist’s written instructions, review them thoroughly with your spouse, and ask questions regarding any concerns.

You should also not drive yourself home. Make sure to arrange for your transportation in advance. Your doctor will determine when you are ready to go home, and you should not speed up the process.

Once you leave the doctor’s office, you should go directly home to rest. Wear a snug scrotal garment or jockey shorts immediately after your surgery, and for up to one week, to avoid stretching the wound.

What should you expect during recovery?

You will need to follow basic self-care procedures to keep yourself comfortable and reduce the risk of infection or stretching your wound. Immediately after the procedure, you should take a day or two from work to rest.

“Once you arrive home, lie down and apply some ice on your scrotum, and rest for at least 20 minutes. You’ll then apply the ice periodically for the rest of the day,” says Dr. Yaser Bassel. “The ice will reduce the swelling and block your pain receptors to minimize the pain,” he adds.

A cold compress applied for the first 24-48 hours will minimize your pain and prevent swelling, but you will still need to monitor the progress of your surgical site. Should the pain, bruising, redness, and swelling worsen the first few days after your procedure, you should contact your physician for help.

With good scrotal support, you can ease into regular non-strenuous activity the day after your vasectomy procedure. However, it would be best if you avoid heavy lifting, working out, and other strenuous activities until at least the third day after your procedure. Lifting any weight above 10 pounds may stretch and reopen your wound. Plus, you should not shower or bathe for one or two days after the procedure.

“If any activity causes pain, put it off and rest some more before trying it again,” says Dr. Yaser Bassel. “Likewise, you should avoid having sexual relations soon after your no-needle no-scalpel vasectomy,” he affirms.

Since sperm will not immediately diminish in your semen, you will temporarily have to use external birth control when having sexual intercourse. It usually takes up to 3 months for sperm to be completely absent in semen.

You should also have your semen analyzed for the presence of sperm before you engaging in sex without using contraception.

Why Advanced Urology Institute?

At Advanced Urology Institute, we offer the no-needle no-scalpel procedure that takes less than 20 minutes and guarantees that you will enjoy contraception with the lowest complication rate, least amount of pain, and shortest recovery period.

Our urologists have been performing this procedure for years. Your safe and effective surgery will allow you to enjoy your sex life without worrying about an unintended pregnancy. We will also guide you through the recovery process to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Are you thinking of getting a vasectomy? Schedule your consultation today with one of our knowledgeable and experienced urologists.

For additional information on vasectomy, vasectomy reversals, and other contraception issues, visit the Advanced Urology Institute website.

Advanced Urology Institute

Advanced Urology Institute

Advanced Urology Institute is the largest urology practice in Florida. We are dedicated to improving the lives of our patients by providing excellent Patient-Centered Care. Set an appointment or visit our closest office near you.

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