
If you have decided to have a vasectomy and are feeling a little nervous about it, read on. It's not so bad. Here are a few facts to help calm you down and address your concerns. Let's talk about what a vasectomy will NOT effect:
- Sexual desire
- Ability to have erections
- Orgasm and accompanying sensations
- Ability to ejaculate and how much semen you ejaculate
Vasectomy Explained
- Avoid walking or standing as much as possible for a few days.
- Avoid heavy lifting for one week.
- Return to work in 2 to 3 days, as long as you do not do any heavy lifting.
- Wear a jockstrap for one week after surgery.
- Resume sex in one week or when it is comfortable to do so.
- Use another form of birth control until the sperm count in your semen is zero.
Risks
There are very few risks associated with a vasectomy. The most common complications include bleeding, swelling or infection in the scrotum. Sometimes sperm leaks into the scrotum and causes a small lump called a sperm granuloma. Inflammation of the epididymis, which is the tube that carries sperm from the testicles, is another rare complication. All are effectively treated.
The Result
You can still get your partner pregnant immediately after a vasectomy. Sperm are still ejaculated for 10 to 20 ejaculations or several months after surgery. The surgeon, usually a urologist, will do a semen analysis about 6 to 12 weeks after surgery to be sure that there are no sperm present. Remember, use another method of birth control until a zero sperm count is confirmed.