At our South Florida offices, we offer a host of urological services for men and women’s health. A common procedure scheduled at our office is a vasectomy, one of the most highly effective forms of male birth control. During a vasectomy, the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm, are removed. With Dr. Edward Gheiler’s more than two decades of experience providing vasectomy and other urological services, we wanted to provide you with tips for a speedy and healthy recovery from a vasectomy procedure. 

How Long Does a Vasectomy Procedure Take?

Time for the procedure may vary based on the patient; however, the procedure generally is quite quick and lasts anywhere from ten to thirty minutes. 

How Will You Feel Post-Surgery?

The area post-procedure may experience some discomfort, bruising, and swelling. You will be able to return home soon after the procedure. So as not to place any pressure on the area, it is advised that you secure transportation beforehand. 

Tips for a Speedy Recovery

Recovery for the Immediate Days Following the Procedure

There are some general dos and don’ts for ensuring a safe and swift recovery for the first few days after your procedure. 

Make sure to get ample rest following your procedure to give your body time to heal and recover. Physical exertion and exercise are to be avoided during this time, as it may lead to complications.

Additionally, it is important to monitor the area for increased pain or swelling and fever, which may indicate infection. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact medical assistance. 

Recovery After the First Week

A week after your procedure, you should begin to see swelling and discomfort decreasing dramatically. After seven days of recovery, you may return to sexual activity and light exercise if the area is healing well. 

At this point, if healing is going as planned, you will likely be able to remove bandages from the area. Removing your bandages should, of course, be discussed with your physician before doing so. 

While most patients can return to light exercise during this time, it is important to avoid heavy exertion and lifting, as your body is still healing.

Recovery After Two or More weeks

After more than ten days of recovery, if you don’t experience pain or swelling, you may return to normal activities and physical exertion. If you feel comfortable doing so, you may return to sexual activities. 

It is recommended practice for your specialist to schedule a post-surgery examination anywhere from one to four months after the procedure. This is done to test sperm count in the patient and to confirm if the vasectomy procedure has been effective.  

Complications and Side Effects to Watch Out For

Complications following this procedure are uncommon; however, it is important to be informed so that you can get medical assistance if necessary. Some side effects to notify your specialist of are any discharge from the surgical area resulting after more than two days from your procedure, pain and swelling that increases over time, blood present in urine, benign growth in the testicles, or nausea and change in appetite.

More serious side effects that may occur are the development of fever, infection, or the inability to urinate. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention right away. 

Scheduling Your Vasectomy

A successful vasectomy procedure provides consistent birth control for you and your partner. Our offices have decades of experience with the procedure and other urological services such as the Penuma implant procedure, kidney stone treatment, and more. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and appointment for your vasectomy. 

Related Readings:

When Should You Visit a Urologist for Your Prostate?

Penile Implant Recovery