When the topic of vasectomy comes up, many men involuntarily wince in pain. However, is this the right reaction? Does a vasectomy hurt? And how long does it take to recover from a vasectomy? These are two very common questions that we receive here at AllCare Medical Centers when a patient inquires about getting a vasectomy.
So, does it hurt a lot? Is the recovery a long process? No and No!
Read on to find out why and what the recovery is really like:
What Is a Vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a minor surgical operation intended to block sperm from mixing with semen. It is a simple yet effective method of contraception. Every year over 500,000 men in the United States alone choose to have this procedure done.
It has become much more common to offer no-scalpel vasectomies, which results in less pain, quicker recoveries, and much less complications than the scalpel technique. Using the no-scalpel technique means that the doctor will make a small puncture in the scrotum instead of an incision.
This type of vasectomy offers a better experience for the patient and has a 40-50% quicker recovery time than conventional vasectomies. The procedure itself is so quick that the patient should be in and out of the clinic within an hour. You can find out more information here.
Why Get a Vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a permanent form of birth control. It is nearly 100% effective at preventing pregnancy, making this a good option for men who do not want to father any children in the future.
In addition to its effectiveness at preventing pregnancy, a vasectomy is also a more cost-effective solution for those seeking a permanent type of birth control. Female sterilization costs much more than a vasectomy. In contrast to these permanent solutions, continued use of birth control medications for women is costly and can have negative health risks for the woman. Thus, many couples choose the vasectomy route instead.
However, please note that a vasectomy isn’t immediately effective at preventing pregnancy. Until you’ve had two negative sperm checks (4-6 weeks apart), you should continue to use alternate forms of birth control. This will take several months, and you will need to get checked by your doctor before you can safely stop using alternative contraception methods.
Does a Vasectomy Hurt?
Now that you understand what a vasectomy is, let’s address the elephant in the room. How much does a vasectomy hurt?
A no-scalpel vasectomy procedure only takes about 20 minutes. Here at AllCare Medical Centers, Dr. Nessetti has chosen to go the no-scalpel route because this minimizes a patient’s pain during the procedure and during recovery. Amazingly, no sutures are even necessary to close the entry site.
With this type of vasectomy, a local anesthesia is administered to the scrotum and vas, and once this anesthetic takes effect, the procedure is completed. You might feel a tiny pinch when the anesthesia is injected before the area goes numb. However, from then on, the only discomfort you should feel is the sensation of a little pulling or tugging. This small discomfort only lasts for a few moments.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Vasectomy?
Once the procedure is completed, you are able to go home right away. You might have minor pain, bruising, or swelling for a few days. To help manage this discomfort, your doctor may suggest using over-the-counter pain relievers for those first few days.
The use of ice packs for a few minutes at a time during the first two days can help as well. Many people actually choose to use something more flexible, such as a bag of frozen peas, as it will fit more comfortably around the scrotum.
Also, wearing tight-fitting underwear for those first few days can help keep pain to a minimum by providing extra support to your scrotum. The underwear should be snug but not too tight.
Ultimately, the recovery from a no-scalpel vasectomy is quick and relatively painless. Most men are back to their normal routine and day-to-day activities within 48 to 72 hours. While you can safely return to your normal activities 48 hours after a vasectomy, you should still avoid strenuous activity or sexual intercourse for about a week post-procedure. This includes lifting heavy items, playing sports, and other strenuous work.
How to Schedule Your Vasectomy
To find out more or to schedule your vasectomy, visit our Vasectomy Center’s website. Here you can register online for the procedure, view patient testimonials, and read an in-depth explanation of what to expect.
