- What is a Vasectomy?
- Healing And Recovery tips
- Healing Time
- Post-Procedure Instructions Regarding Sex
- Impact Of Vasectomy On Sex Life
- Does Sex Hurt After Vasectomy?
- Will My Sex Drive Reduce After Vasectomy?
- Will My Ejaculation Feel Different?
- What Will Happen To My Erection?
- How long after vasectomy do you need to worry about contraception?
- Post-Surgical Complications
- Conclusion
- Source
In order to enjoy a healthy sex life without the risk of getting their partner pregnant, some men decide to opt for a vasectomy procedure.
But what is a vasectomy?
And what can expect for sex after a vasectomy?
Keep reading this article to find out.
What is a Vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a surgical procedure where a urologist exposes your vas deferens (the tube that carries sperms from the testes to the ejaculatory duct in the penis) through incisions in the scrotum.
A small part of the vas deferens is cut and removed, thereby creating a gap between the ends of the tube.
The surgeon can also opt for a no-scalpel technique.
The end result of both types of procedures is the diminished flow of sperms to the penis.
You should keep in mind that tubal ligation and vasectomy are two different procedures.
It is worth keeping in mind that a vasectomy, like all surgeries, comes with potential side effects, risks, and complications. Therefore, you should evaluate all your options and ascertain whether you feel the benefits outweigh the risks before having the surgery.
Healing And Recovery tips
If you have planned on making yourself 100% risk-free of pregnancy and opted for a vasectomy, the following tips can help you in early recovery:
- Get some rest
- Ice the incision (surgical) area
- Practice good hygiene
- Wear comfortable clothing (preferably loose clothing)
Healing Time
The healing time may vary between individuals, but it generally takes two weeks to recover.
No-scalpel surgeries may heal sooner and are generally associated with a lesser risk of complications.
The no-scalpel technique has the following advantages as compared to the conventional technique:
- Lesser bleeding
- Lesser post-operative pain
- Reduced chances of infection
- Quicker healing
Post-surgical effects such as discomfort, bruising, and swelling should go away within two weeks.
Therefore, you are recommended to keep your activities to a minimum for at least two weeks after the surgery.
Post-Procedure Instructions Regarding Sex
Though vasectomy is an effective birth control method, it isn’t a magical spell.
There are certain instructions that you must follow after getting a vasectomy done:
1) No Sex For 2 Weeks (At least)
To keep yourself safe and the wound clean, you must abstain from sex for a couple of weeks, at least i.e. the time required for healing.
Having sex immediately after the surgery can lead to reopening the incisions and eventually infection of the wound.
A rule of thumb is to wait until you feel no pain or swelling in the surgery site.
If the pain persists even after two weeks, then you should wait until it subsides.
2) Visit The Doctor
While pain, discomfort, and swelling are common after surgery, you should visit your healthcare provider if experiencing the following:
- Painful swelling and bleeding under the skin (i.e. hematoma formation)
- Infection of the site (characterized by scrotal redness and tenderness)
3) Be Cautious Until Complete Sterility Is Achieved
Don’t expect to become completely sterile immediately after a vasectomy.
A healthy male can stay potent for as long as 3 months.
Complete sterility is achieved when the sperm count falls to zero.
It is believed that you will need to ejaculate 20 times or more before the sperm count in your semen gets to the 0 mark.
Staying in touch with your doctor is very important.
Your healthcare provider shall examine your semen 6-12 weeks after the vasectomy procedure.
Wait until the doctor informs you that your semen is sperm-free.
This is the most important instruction because 50% of men do not comply with the doctor’s post-vasectomy instructions.
Use Alternative Methods Of Birth Control
You and your partner must pursue alternative birth control methods until the doctor confirms sperm-free semen. You can try the following options:
- Condoms
- Female birth control pills
- Medroxyprogesterone shots (Depo-Provera)
Both male and female condoms are available.
Male condoms are more effective and available at a low cost.
The pregnancy protection provided by condoms is similar to hormonal control methods.
Impact Of Vasectomy On Sex Life
A lot of men are worried about their life after vasectomy.
We shall clarify all the ambiguities regarding life after vasectomy and its impact on sexual life.
Does Sex Hurt After Vasectomy?
If you follow the post-vasectomy instructions, it is unlikely that you will experience major pain.
The first few ejaculations after a vasectomy might be a little uncomfortable, but that is temporary and eases with time.
Your sexual experience should not change after a vasectomy.
Will My Sex Drive Reduce After Vasectomy?
No.
The amount of sperms in your semen has no association with your sexual drive or arousal.
It is a psychological phenomenon that shall stay preserved even after the sperm count dips to zero.
However, one thing is to be kept in mind that any impact on your mental health can have consequences as it is a psychological phenomenon.
Will My Ejaculation Feel Different?
The greatest concern of all men is orgasm.
The sensation of ejaculation during an orgasm shall stay the same, and you won’t feel any difference at all (after surgery).
You will not experience any difference in your semen quality, amount, or texture.
What Will Happen To My Erection?
A vasectomy won’t cause you erectile dysfunction!
Vasectomy involves the tying of vas deferens (that lies inside the scrotum) and has nothing to do with your penile structures.
Erection is achieved by neural and hormonal control, which remains the same even after the disconnection of the vas deferens.
You shall continue to get an erection if you had it before the operation.
How long after vasectomy do you need to worry about contraception?
Vasectomy is a permanent procedure. Once done, a man is incapable of reproducing.
However, you have to wait for about 3 months to attain complete sterility.
The procedure is believed to be similar to castration, with negative effects in some parts of the world.
Does a Vasectomy Increase Your Risk Of Prostate Cancer?
Post-Surgical Complications
Since a vasectomy is a surgical process it has some complications.
Complications are reported in 1 to 2% of cases:
- Hematoma formation
- Infection of wound
- Sterilization failure
- Sperm granulomas
- Post vasectomy pain syndrome
Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome
As per a study, the overall incidence of post-vasectomy pain syndrome is around 15%.
It may be caused by:
- Direct damage to spermatic cord structures
- Compression of nerves in sperm cord
Non-surgical treatment includes the use of medicines such as NSAIDs for 4-6 weeks.
You may also use tricyclic antidepressants to manage pain.
Pelvic floor therapy or acupuncture may also be recommended.
In refractory cases, surgical processes such as Micro-denervation of the spermatic cord (MDSC) and epididymectomy can provide relief.
Conclusion
A vasectomy is a permanent form of birth control.
It takes three months post-surgery to become completely sterile.
You should abstain from sex for at least two weeks or until pain and swelling resorbs.
Like all surgery, having a vasectomy comes with potential side effects, risks, and complications.
You shall experience no changes in sexual desire, erection, and ejaculation.
The orgasmic sensation shall remain the same too.
Next Up
Read some myths about having a vasectomy and why they aren’t true.
