Look at your scrotum with a hand mirror once or twice per day to see how it is healing. If swelling is continuing to get worse, or you notice significant redness or bruising that does not improve, see your doctor for further evaluation. Keep in mind that healing often proceeds without complications and you should see your scrotum beginning to look normal again after a few days.
Icing helps to diminish inflammation in the scrotum area and also reduces swelling. It can therefore be helpful in reducing symptoms of pain and discomfort. When started early after the vasectomy procedure is done, it can also help to speed the recovery process.
Symptoms that are typically associated with a post-operative infection include fever, blood or pus coming out of the surgical site, and/or worsening pain and swelling. [5] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Other complications to be aware of include continued bleeding beyond 48 hours after surgery (or formation of a large bruise, called a “hematoma,” on the scrotum); something called a “sperm granuloma” (which is basically a harmless mass that forms in the testicles as a sort of immune response); and/or persistent pain. [6] X Research source
Know that the duration of time to be off your blood-thinning medications varies from person to person (depending on the reason you are taking them in the first place). Ask your doctor when you can resume your normal medications.
Try not to do too much for the first two to three days following the procedure, and don’t be afraid to ask others to help you out so that you can relax and recover. Keep your activity level to a minimum after your vasectomy. It is advisable to limit physical activities for about five days post-surgery, and to refrain from heavy lifting for at least a week. [10] X Research source Heavy lifting strains the area and therefore interferes with healing. After five days, you may resume exercise, starting out easy and getting back to your normal routine after a couple of weeks.
When you do choose to resume sexual activity (after a week has passed and you feel comfortable enough to do so), remember that you will need to use birth control until you have had follow-up tests with your doctor confirming that your sperm count is zero. It usually takes 20 ejaculations after the surgery for residual sperm to be fully cleared. Overall a vasectomy results in no changes to a man’s sexual function. Many men are concerned it could affect desire, erections, and/or the sensation of orgasm; however, studies have been done to confirm that none of these are negatively affected by the procedure. Studies have shown that women’s sexual satisfaction has increased after their partner has had a vasectomy. This may be due to greater confidence that there will not be an unwanted pregnancy. Note that there is also a very small risk (0. 1% per year) of becoming pregnant even after you have had a vasectomy. [13] X Research source This is because, even though the two ends of the vas deferens have been “disconnected” from one another, there is still a tiny chance that sperm could pass through and result in pregnancy. The chance is so low, however, that a vasectomy (or a “tubal ligation,” which is the comparable procedure in women) is still considered the most effective form of birth control for those couples who have decided they do not want to have any more children.
Ask your doctor when it is okay to start bathing and/or swimming again.
