What to Expect From a Vasectomy
According to Vasectomy.com, more than half a million American men undergo vasectomies as a permanent birth control method each year. Vasectomies offer nearly 100 percent effective pregnancy prevention and involve a relatively simple surgery which is often performed in your doctor's office.
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Procedure
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Vasectomies involve cutting and sealing the vas deferens, the two tiny tubes that carry sperm to mix with your semen.
Preparing for Surgery
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One to two weeks before surgery, discontinue taking aspirin, heparin, warfarin or any other blood-thinning medications. On the day of your surgery, thoroughly shower and shave the surgical area.
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Surgery Information
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The procedure usually takes between 20 and 30 minutes and is performed in your doctor's office or in a surgery center. Your doctor may prescribe a mild sedative to help you relax and you will receive local anesthesia to numb the surgical area.
What to Expect
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You will be awake during the procedure, but your doctor will use local anesthetic to numb the surgical area so that you will not experience any pain or discomfort. According to Vasectomy.com, you may experience a slight pulling sensation as the right and left vas deferens is lifted to be cauterized or clipped.
After Surgery
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Your doctor may allow the puncture openings to heal naturally or he may close them with dissolving stitches, which disappear within three to 10 days. After the procedure, expect to feel some discomfort, bruising and swelling. Use an athletic supporter for several days after surgery to help support your scrotum and use ice packs for one to three days after your surgery to help reduce pain and swelling.
Recovery
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Rest for 24 hours after surgery and avoid sexual activity for one week. According to Vasectomy.com, many procedures are scheduled for either Thursday or Friday to allow men to return to work on Monday after using the weekend for recovery.
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