Recovery time after vasectomy surgery

• The aim of vasectomy intervention is to achieve male infertility, as a strategy within a family planning plan.
• It is advisable to use a condom for some time after the vasectomy to avoid the risk of pregnancy, until spermiograms with a total absence of spermatozoa (azoospermia) are obtained.
• Recovery after vasectomy is immediate. Activities of daily living can be carried out the day after the operation.

Sperm travel from the testicles, where they are produced, out through the urethra via the vas deferens.

       Testicle >>>> Ductus deferens >>>> Urethra >>>> Exterior

The vasectomy procedure consists of interrupting this circuit, severing the vas deferens, and preventing sperm from reaching the urethra from the testicles.

There are two types of surgical techniques: the classic vasectomy technique or also called vasectomy with a scalpel, and the no-scalpel vasectomy technique.

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In the first case, the surgeon identifies the vas deferens through a cut made in the scrotum with a scalpel, and sections the duct, blinding both ends with an electric scalpel. This technique is used in 70% of cases in Spain.

If the technique is performed according to a method that originated in China, it consists of identifying the vas deferens through the scrotum by palpation and using special forceps, a very small incision is made in the skin of the scrotum, through which the surgeon extracts the duct to section it and subsequently blind the lumen of the duct by cauterising both ends. 

The scar is so small that no stitches are required. The surgical wound heals on its own in 5-6 days.

This technique is performed in 30% of cases. The efficacy results are comparable to the scalpel technique.

With both techniques, the results of the operation are considered optimal after two spermiograms have been performed and these show the absence of spermatozoa. The first is performed 3 months after the operation, and the second 4 months after. Even if the first is negative for the presence of spermatozoa, it is necessary to wait for the second to be sure that the technique has been effective.

This procedure lasts approximately 30 minutes, is performed on an outpatient basis and the patient is given a local anaesthetic.

The vasectomy patient goes home a few minutes after the procedure.

Even on the day of the operation, the patient can lead a very normal life. He/she should avoid exerting him/herself by lifting weights, standing for long periods of time or carrying out domestic cleaning activities, sports, etc...

Relative rest is required for the first 3-4 days, but the patient can gradually incorporate activities into daily life. Such as driving, walking, shopping, etc.

In general, intercourse can be resumed one week after the operation. In some cases, intercourse may have to be delayed for a few days due to testicular discomfort or other individual reasons.

It is very important that until the patient is discharged and 2 spermiograms are obtained with zero spermatozoa, a barrier method of contraception such as a condom is used. 

The spermiogram consists of analysing the composition of the semen, which after vasectomy should only be composed of secretions coming from the prostate and liquid coming from the seminal vesicle and total absence of spermatozoa, which would come from the testicles.

The second spermiogram with total absence of sperm is obtained after 20-25 ejaculations. This is because sperm may be retained in the part of the vas deferens that connects to the urethra.

The efficacy of vasectomy is 99%. There have been cases of pregnancy after vasectomy, either because the technique failed or because of re-permeabilisation of the vas deferens.

It is very important to clarify that vasectomy does not interfere with a man's sex life, sexual appetite or libido, potency (erection of the penis), or ability to reach orgasm.

The male continues to ejaculate after vasectomy, but the semen will no longer have sperm in suspension. This makes the consistency of the seminal fluid that is expelled through the urethra during orgasm more fluid, less dense. The colour and odour do not change.

Another important aspect is that the man, after vasectomy, will have no hormonal changes towards feminisation, because his testosterone level in his body will not change. There will be no change in his voice, or in the density of his beard, etc.

In less than 1% the vasectomy may be ineffective and the woman may become pregnant. However, when you sign the informed consent form, you are warned of this failure rate for vasectomy.

This is because the vas deferens section of either testicle has been able to spontaneously recanalise.

The testicles continue to produce spermatozoa, which are naturally released through the urethra, but if this does not happen, the sperm age inside the testicles, become immobile and are reabsorbed by the body with a specific mechanism for this. 

Young sperm are continuously being produced in the testes, mature, age and disappear. It is a continuous cycle. Vasectomy does not interfere with this cycle.

Having a vasectomy is not a simple decision, nor one that should be taken lightly. Even more so when it is known that the situation is irreversible.

It is therefore necessary to be very sure of what is intended with this intervention and its consequences: the infertility of the man who undergoes this surgery.

Some men experience even more satisfying sex after vasectomy; having sex without the worry of a new pregnancy, they are more relaxed and enjoy it more and better.

They can be more creative and have more pleasurable relations in general. This is also helped by the fact that their partner is also more relaxed, having lost the fear of a new pregnancy. Therefore the couple experiences a change for the better in their sexual relations.

Even so, the decision not to have more children can, from an emotional point of view, lead to sadness or frustration. I therefore recommend that you talk to your partner.

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Although it is the man's decision to make, emotional support to help him make this decision is not to be underestimated. This emotional support is best when it comes from the partner.

On the other hand, there have been cases of sexual impotence after vasectomy. This is due to an emotional blockage, but in no case to a side effect or complication of the vasectomy procedure.

If this happens, you should see your specialist doctor for help.

Vasectomy surgery does not require sick leave. Recovery after the operation is immediate. Many men have the operation on Friday, rest over the weekend and return to work on Monday without any problems.

During the weekend or 48 hours after the operation, you should remain in relative rest, without lifting weights, standing for long periods of time, going up or down long flights of stairs without driving, etc.

It all depends on the sport you practise, but in general you should not practise it for at least 15 days after the vasectomy surgery.

For sports that involve more physical effort in general, you should go at the pace of your possibilities at that time without forcing overload, or reaching fatigue.

Here are some examples:

• Back to the gym: 15 days.
• Stationary cycling: 15 days.
• Mobile bike, cycling: 20 days.
• Tennis or padel tennis: 21 days.
• Jogging: slow pace: 15 days.
• Football: 21 days.

To summarise, we can say that after a vasectomy it is recommended:

• Relative rest for 48 hours after the operation.
• Sexual relations can be maintained one week after the intervention.
• Remember to maintain sexual relations with complementary contraceptive methods, barrier type such as condoms, until you are discharged from the hospital with a negative spermiogram.
• Do not engage in light to moderate intensity sport until at least 2 weeks have elapsed.
• Avoid constipation by taking care to eat a diet rich in fibre, so as not to increase the pressure on the pelvic floor during defecation.
• Do not ride a trial motorbike, horseback riding, cycling, etc. for at least 15 days.

The vasectomy procedure achieves 99% sterilisation. It is the safest method of contraception.

It does not produce changes in a man's manhood or sexuality. In any case, it produces an improvement in the satisfaction of the couple's sexual relations as they no longer have to worry about a possible pregnancy.

In addition, the procedure is quick and uncomplicated and the recovery time is only a few days.

Once the vasectomy has been performed, the man may want to have children again after a while, although the recanalisation of the vas deferens is not guaranteed, so it is necessary to be very clear that he wants to have the operation.

An attempt can be made to recanalise the vas deferens, by means of surgery, to try to become fertile again, but in most cases this is not achieved.

The disadvantages compared to other contraceptive methods is that unlike barrier contraceptives (condoms), which prevent sexually transmitted diseases, vasectomy does not exempt you from these risks, so to have safe sex without the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease, you should always use a condom.

If you are thinking of having a vasectomy surgery, remember that at Operarme the price is all-inclusive and that you can request a free surgical assessment consultation by clicking on the image below:

Are you interested in having a vasectomy surgery?

Request a free and immediate appointment with our specialists in Urology

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