What are the dos and don’ts of a vasectomy?
Are you planning to go with a vasectomy or already had one? Here is what you need to know before and after the procedure.
We are covering the dos and don’ts of a vasectomy but first, understand what a vasectomy is.
What Is Vasectomy?
A surgical procedure that is performed for men to promote birth control is vasectomy. Many men go with this surgical procedure to control birth. They went through a procedure in which their vas deferens were cut and sealed.
The tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra are vas deferens. After the procedure sperm are reabsorbed into the body and don’t come out during ejaculation.
Do’s And Don’ts Of A Vasectomy
You need to do or avoid some things before and after the procedure. We will provide you with the necessary instructions to follow.
A Week Before the Procedure
Instructions you must follow a week before your vasectomy:
Avoid aspirin and aspirin-like products.
Confirm with your doctor what kind of medicines you can take a week before your procedure. Your doctor may suggest you stop taking blood thinners.
You can take oral anti-anxiety medication before the procedure after your healthcare provider says yes.
Day Of Surgery
Take a shower before leaving for the vasectomy. Wear your comfortable clothes. You can bring headphones.
Bring an athletic supporter with you.
Arrange a person for yourself who can drive you to and from the hospital.
Your healthcare provider will provide you with local anaesthesia.
A prescription will be given for pain medication.
Continue After Several Days Of The Procedure
Apply an ice pack to the scrotum the night of your procedure. Do this for the following day as well.
You can remove all dressings except one or two clean gauze pads.
Use clean gauze pads regularly to cover the incisions. Continue doing this for at least three days after the procedure.
Shower 24 hours after your procedure. Make sure you keep the incision area clean and dry.
Do not practice intercourse or ejaculation for one week. You may experience discomfort because of ejaculation.
Return to work after two days or 48 hours of vasectomy.
Heavy workouts including weight lifting and jogging can be resumed after a week, only when your healthcare provider says yes.
Do Not Do This
Here are some important instructions you must know and you should avoid doing these after your vasectomy procedure:
Do not apply ice packs for more than 20 minutes at a time.
Do not ignore if you find excessive blood on your gauze pads. A small amount of blood is okay but if you are experiencing excessive amount of bleeding, immediately visit or contact your healthcare provider.
If you experience signs of infection, including fever and chills after coming home from the procedure, contact to healthcare provider.
Do not ignore if you experience redness, swelling, excessive bleeding or pain.
Do not ignore discharge at the incision site.
If you are not getting relief from pain even after taking prescribed medications, contact your general practitioner.
Testings
Before you begin with intercourse or ejaculation, these are important things to notice:
You can expect sperm to remain in your semen for three to six months, or longer even after your vasectomy procedure. So, use contraception until your practitioner analyses or puts the proper tests.
After three months, your practitioner will demand a semen specimen. They will recommend you to have at least 20 ejaculations during that first three-month period.
You should quit ejaculation for two or three days before the collection of the semen specimen.
Using contraception after vasectomy is necessary because the procedure won’t come into effect immediately. Know in detail here.
Why Men Should Continue Using Contraception Even After Vasectomy?
A vasectomy procedure is done for permanent birth control in men but it won’t come into effect immediately, so continuing to use contraceptives is important. The detailed explanation is here:
Sperms can still be there in the vas deferens for weeks or months after the procedure.
A semen test will be performed after two to three months of your vasectomy. If sperm are still present in the semen then a second test will be conducted after a month.
If you perform unprotected sex with a partner before your vasectomy is effective, there is a risk of pregnancy.
Let the procedure come into effect and get clearance from your healthcare provider about the sperm’s presence.
Conclusion
It is possible that your wish to become father is now accomplished or you never wished for it that is why you want to proceed with vasectomy. We recommend you give it a second thought if you are in your early thirties or late twenties.
Vasectomy surgery being performed by a professional is always a success all you have to keep is patience. Although vasectomy reversal is possible, a reversal does not always mean pregnancy. So, think before you proceed.