Post Op: Vasectomy recovery
To ensure the fastest vasectomy recovery and healing time please read through and follow the recommendations below. They will ensure that you’re back on your feet and back to work as quickly as possible with minimal risk of complications.
Post vasectomy recommendations
After your vasectomy, go straight home and rest.
- Lie down flat.
- Use ice packs, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, for 6 hours.
After four to five hours the anaesthetic will begin to wear off. If you experience any aching or discomfort, use the painkillers provided.
- Do not use aspirin.
- Paracetamol and/or ibuprofen are usually sufficient if you require further pain relief.
- Most of the discomfort experienced after a vasectomy is due to gravity dragging on your spermatic cord. Your body will start to adjust within 24 to 36 hours.
Do not shower until the day after your vasectomy.
Wear supportive underwear for at least seven days after your vasectomy.
- Wear supportive briefs, underpants or jockey shorts during the day and at night while sleeping.
- Do NOT wear boxer shorts.
Please refrain from sex or masturbation for seven days following your vasectomy.
- It is normal to have some blood noticeable in semen for the first few ejaculates after your vasectomy.
How long does it take to recover from a vasectomy?
Vasectomy recovery is generally very fast and complications are rare. Vasectomy healing is even faster using the No Scalpel Open-ended technique as no stitches are required and there is less tissue trauma, as no cutting with a scalpel is needed.
The wound will heal over within a day or two and most men are back to work after two days. You can resume light exercise after two days but it’s recommended that you wait at least seven days before returning to more vigorous exercise.
Semen test
A sample jar and pathology request form will be given to you on the day of your appointment for a semen test at least three months after your vasectomy. We recommend that you make a note in your diary or phone calendar on the day of your vasectomy so you don’t forget. The semen test is important to ensure that your vasectomy was successful and that there are no longer any sperm present in your semen.
It takes on average around 25 ejaculations to clear any sperm from your vas deferens and you will need to use an alternative form of contraception to prevent pregnancy until given the all clear. The results of your semen analysis will be sent to Queensland Vasectomy; Dr Sheehan will call you with your results.
Eighty per cent of men are given the all clear after three months; the remaining 20% will require a repeat semen analysis after another month.
In very rare cases, even when the vasectomy is performed perfectly by a highly skilled doctor, a process called recanalisation can occur when the ends of the vas deferens tubes spontaneously re-join. This is rare and usually occurs in the first three months. Dr Sheehan uses three separate techniques to minimise this risk.
Your semen sample can be tested via several pathology labs, all are independent to Queensland Vasectomy. Most charge around $50 for the test. Popular choices are QML and Sullivan Nicolaides who have collection centres in most Brisbane and Queensland suburbs.
- Sullivan Nicolaides collection centres
- QML collection centres
(Type your post code into the relevant box and remember to choose either ‘seminal samples accepted’ or ‘seminal fluid’ in place of ‘standard test’).
If you have any concerns or are worried about your vasectomy recovery or healing time, call Queensland Vasectomy on (07) 3180 1505 or contact us online.