Vasectomy Recovery: What To Expect And Self-care Tips

Maybe your like

Medical News TodaySubscribeRecovery after a vasectomy: What to know

Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — Written by Zawn Villines — Updated on June 23, 2023

After surgery
Recovery
Preparation
Risks
Effectiveness
Sexual function
Summary

Recovery after a vasectomy typically takes around a week. Individuals may experience pain and aching following the procedure.

Vasectomies work as a form of birth control by blocking the vas deferens. This is the tube that carries sperm into the semen. Blocking this tube could involve cutting it or applying a clip to one or both ends.

The procedure is quick, safe, and usually only requires local anesthesia. Most males will experience pain for a few days after the procedure.

In this article, we take a look at how people recover after having a vasectomy. We also examine what people can expect from the procedure itself.

Recovery immediately after surgery

a couple looking happy on a sofa whilst the man is undergoing Vasectomy recovery — After a week, most people will physically recover from a vasectomy.

Most people experience pain and aching in their groin immediately after a vasectomy. The scrotum may also feel swollen and sensitive to touch.

Some people notice a lump in the scrotum. The lump, or granuloma, occurs from sperm leaking out of the vas deferens and into the scrotum. It is harmless and usually disappears over time.

Unless there are complications, most people go home immediately after the procedure.

Recovery within 1 week

Most people need about a week to recover from a vasectomy. Doctors will prescribe pain medication to make the recovery more comfortable. Some people wear a jockstrap to support the area and reduce the risk of friction and injury.

Most people go back to work within a day of the procedure. They can usually return to most daily activities without any issues, including driving. However, it is crucial to avoid sex and other strenuous activities for about a week, or until the pain reduces.

It can take up to 3 months to become fully sterile following a vasectomy.

Preparing for the procedure

It can be helpful to discuss the vasectomy with a doctor before the procedure.

Some things to do before the procedure include:

talking to a doctor about any medications and allergies
avoiding aspirin for 7 days before surgery, as aspirin can cause bleeding
discussing any feelings of anxiety with a doctor, who may suggest anti-anxiety medication
wearing comfortable clothing on the day of the procedure
taking a jockstrap or other gear that supports the scrotum to wear immediately after the procedure
arranging transport home in advance

A doctor may trim the hair on the scrotum before the procedure. To avoid this, keep the hair on the scrotum as short as possible.

Risks and complications

Share on Pinterest

Regret is a possible risk of having a vasectomy.

Most people experience swelling and pain for a week or two after surgery. Some individuals may bleed more than others or develop an infection. Sometimes, these people may require additional treatment or surgery.

Less common complications of vasectomy include:

Vasectomy failure: This happens when sperm still gets into semen. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), this is rare, occurring in about 11 in 1,000 people within 2 years.
Regret: Some people may regret their vasectomy, especially when starting a new partnership with someone who wants a child. However, most vasectomies are reversible.
Chronic pain: Some people experience chronic testicle pain after a vasectomy, but this is rare. Between 1% and 2% of people who have a vasectomy get chronic pain.
Granuloma: A granuloma is a harmless lump that forms on the scrotum. It occurs when sperm leaks out of the vas deferens.

In deciding whether to have a vasectomy or not, it might help to consider that the equivalent procedure in females is riskier.

Tubal ligation involves blocking the fallopian tubes to stop eggs moving into the uterus. Experts think that a vasectomy is a safer procedure than tubal ligation. Tubal ligation also requires general anesthesia, rather than the local anesthetic required for a vasectomy. General anesthesia increases the risk of complications and recovery times.

People who have tubal ligation face a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy if the procedure fails. This is where the fertilized egg grows outside of the womb. A vasectomy does not increase this risk.

There is no evidence that vasectomies cause long term complications or increase the risk of any disease or illness.

How effective is a vasectomy?

Vasectomy is one of the most effective procedures for birth control. The risk of pregnancy occurring after a vasectomy is around 11 in 1,000. The risk of pregnancy is higher shortly after the vasectomy. This is because it takes about 3 months for sperm to leave the semen completely.

Recanalization can also occur. This is where the sperm travels beyond the cut in the vas deferens and makes it back into the semen. Recanalization is also more common in the 3 months following the vasectomy.

About 3 months after surgery, a doctor will perform tests to measure sperm levels in the semen.

How do vasectomies affect sexual function?

Share on Pinterest

A male’s sexual sensations normally do not change after a vasectomy.

Vasectomies should not affect sexual function.

A vasectomy will not interfere with the production of testosterone or any other chemical associated with sexual functioning. A man can still ejaculate after a vasectomy but the semen will not contain any sperm.

Vasectomies do not lead to changes in orgasms or sexual sensations. However, people who had complications following their vasectomy might experience pain during sex. People who experience any pain should talk to a doctor for help and advice.

In very rare cases, a vasectomy may damage the arteries or nerves of the scrotum. If this happens, it can affect sexual functioning. Some people may require additional surgeries to correct the problem.

Summary

For most people, vasectomies are a safe and effective form of birth control.

Before choosing to have a vasectomy, a person must be sure about not wanting more children. Most vasectomies are reversible. But doctors cannot always guarantee success.

Avoid making the decision alone. It is best to talk about the procedure with a partner or family members. A doctor will be able to offer professional and medical advice.

People who experience long recoveries or pain following a vasectomy should contact a doctor immediately. Doctors can treat post-vasectomy pain, and healing will happen more quickly with prompt care.

Fertility
Men's Health
Surgery
Sexual Health / STDs

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Barone, M. A., et al. (2015). Long-term risks of vasectomy.https://www.glowm.com/section_view/heading/Long-Term%20Risks%20of%20Vasectomy/item/408
Contraception. (2018).https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/index.htm?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Freproductivehealth%2Funintendedpregnancy%2Fcontraception.htm
No-scalpel vasectomy. (n.d.).https://www.stonybrookmedicine.edu/patientcare/urology/common_problems/no_scalpel_vasectomy
Smith, R. P. (n.d.). Pre and post vasectomy instructions. (n.d.).https://med.virginia.edu/urology/for-patients-and-visitors/mens-health/vasectomy-how-it-works/pre-post-vasectomy-instructions/
Sterilization for women and men. (2019).https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Sterilization-for-Women-and-Men?IsMobileSet=false
Tan, W. P., et al. (2016). An overview of the management of post-vasectomy pain syndrome.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4854072/
What are the risks of vasectomy? (n.d.).https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/vasectomy/conditioninfo/risk
What is a vasectomy? (n.d.).https://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/vasectomy
Zini, A. (2010). Vasectomy update 2010.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2950776/

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — Written by Zawn Villines — Updated on June 23, 2023

Latest news

Could the gut be driving age-related memory loss?
Blood test may predict dementia up to 25 years before symptom onset in women
Water sources may affect Parkinson's disease risk: What to know
How might estrogen affect hypertension risk at menopause?
Routine mammograms may help predict heart disease, study suggests

Related Coverage

What to know about sex after a vasectomyMedically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH
Vasectomies are a standard procedure for birth control in men. Here, we discuss whether vasectomies can affect sexual function and how long to avoid…
READ MORE
Vasectomy reversal: What you should knowMedically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M.D.
A vasectomy is a permanent method of birth control for a man. If circumstances change, and the man wishes to have children, a vasectomy reversal may…
READ MORE
Everything you need to know about vasectomyMedically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH
A vasectomy is a form of contraception that involves surgically cutting or blocking tubes that transport sperm. The semen will no longer contain sperm.
READ MORE
Can pregnancy occur after a vasectomy?Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH
The chances of a pregnancy after a vasectomy are almost zero. However, we look at why pregnancy can still happen. We also explore vasectomy reversal…
READ MORE
What to know about post-vasectomy pain syndrome
Post-vasectomy pain syndrome is testicular pain that can develop after a vasectomy. Learn more about the symptoms, treatment options, and outlook here.
READ MORE

Tag » How Long Is Vasectomy Recovery

Vasectomy Recovery: What To Expect And Self-care Tips

Recovery immediately after surgery

Recovery within 1 week

Preparing for the procedure

Risks and complications

How effective is a vasectomy?

How do vasectomies affect sexual function?

Summary

How we reviewed this article:

Latest news

Related Coverage

Vasectomy - Mayo Clinic

How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Vasectomy? - Healthline

Recovering From A Vasectomy: What To Expect After You Get Snipped

Vasectomy: What To Expect At Home - My Health Alberta

Vasectomy (male Sterilisation) - - - Your Contraception Guide - NHS

Sex And Recovery After A Vasectomy

Vasectomy: 6 Things You Need To Know - Brigham Health Hub

What Can I Expect If I Have A Vasectomy? - Planned Parenthood

Vasectomy Recovery Information

Post-Vasectomy Care & Recovery | Patient Instructions

Vasectomy Procedure: Effectiveness, Recovery, Side ... - WebMD

Post Op: Vasectomy Recovery

Vasectomy: Procedure, Recovery & Effectiveness - Cleveland Clinic

Pre & Post Vasectomy Instructions - Department Of Urology

Contact