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For Patients
Post Op: Vasectomy Recovery Advice
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.
What to do after your vasectomy
Straight After the procedure
- Go home and rest
- Lie down flat or relax on the couch.
- Use ice packs (20mins on, 20 mins off) for 6 hours.
Anaesthesia and recovery
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.
After 24 Hours
- Do not shower until the following day. The wound will heal itself over a day or two.
- Generally, men are able to return to work after 2 days but it depends on your level of activity.
- Continue to wear supportive underwear for at least 7 days. Including sleep. No boxer shorts.
- Refrain from sex or masturbation for 7 days.
- It is not uncommon to have some blood in the semen for the first few ejaculates.
- For pain relief avoid Aspirin. Usually, regular Paracetamol or Ibuprofen is sufficient.
After 3 months - Semen Test
The sample jar and pathology request slip will be given to you on your vasectomy day. This test is important as we need to ensure the vasa have emptied of live sperm and have not rejoined. 80% of men will be given the all clear at this time. 20% of men will still have sperm at this point and will require another test after a further month.
The sample can be tested at a number of different pathology providers. These are all independent to Queensland Vasectomy. Generally, they charge around $50 per semen analysis. QML and Sullivan Nicholaides are both popular choices.
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
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.
Concerns?
If you have any concerns or are worried about your vasectomy recovery or healing time, please call Queensland Vasectomy on (07) 3180 1505 or contact us online.