The Lowdown on Post-Vasectomy Sex

How Vasectomies Work

A vasectomy is a small surgical procedure that severs and blocks the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis. This simple and reliable procedure is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy and is relatively inexpensive.

Recovery Time

After a vasectomy, it’s essential to allow your body time to heal. Avoid sex or masturbation for at least two weeks to prevent any discomfort or complications. During this time, you may experience some manageable:

• pain
• bruising
• swelling around your scrotum

Getting Back to Normal

Once you’ve recovered, you can resume sexual activity. However, you’ll need to continue using contraception until your doctor confirms that your sperm count is zero. This usually takes around 15 to 20 ejaculations, which can take several weeks.

Pain and Discomfort

Most men don’t experience lasting pain after a vasectomy. During the procedure, you’ll receive local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. Afterward, you may feel some:

• pressure
• tugging

but this is usually manageable.

Risks and Complications

While vasectomies are generally safe, there are some rare complications to be aware of, including:

• bleeding
• infection
• chronic scrotal pain

If you experience any concerning symptoms, such as:

• severe pain
• fever
• lumps in your scrotum

contact your doctor immediately.

Types of Vasectomies

There are two common types of vasectomies:

• conventional/traditional
• no-scalpel

No-scalpel vasectomies generally involve less pain and fewer complications than traditional ones.

Reversing a Vasectomy

While vasectomies are difficult to reverse, it’s not impossible. Reversal success rates vary from 30% to over 90%, depending on factors such as the surgeon’s experience and the technique used.

Libido and Sex Drive

A vasectomy won’t affect your:

• libido
• sex drive

The procedure only prevents sperm from exiting your testicles, so your sexual function remains unchanged.