Scalpel-Free Open Ended Vasectomy

Previously, vasectomy involved an incision in the scrotum using a scalpel, followed by blocking both ends of the tubes (vas deferens) with a clip, suture or diathermy. This closed-ended technique required stitching of the incision, which increased the risk of infection and complications, like congestive epididymitis (tenderness due to pressure build-up). However, things have since changed and the no-scalpel, open-ended procedure is now the norm. This technique only requires a tiny puncture in your skin using special forceps, followed by closing the upper part of your vas with a suture while leaving open the end of the tube connected to the testicle. In only 15-20 minutes, the procedure is done and you are out to begin your recovery.

Less Strenuous Activities

If all goes well, you can be back to your desk job soon after the procedure. But for a fitness routine or a more physically demanding job, you may require a few days off to recover before returning. Typically, the number of days you need depends on the type of activity you intend to undertake. For instance, you should not engage in activities requiring standing and walking all day or carrying loads greater than 10-15 kg until after one week. Likewise, for non-contact sports such as swimming, golf and tennis, you need 2 weeks before you can return. For cycling, you should take 2 weeks off before engaging in stationary cycling, at least 3 weeks before getting back to road cycling, and at least 4 weeks before you can engage in mountain biking.

More Strenuous Activities

Before you can engage in more strenuous activities, you need more time off to recover. For instance, contact sports such as soccer, rugby, martial arts, hockey or powerlifting will require at least a month off. If you fall in the powerlifting category, you may be tempted to use these four weeks off to build your one-rep max, but you must resist such temptations. In fact, you must avoid all sorts of heavy weights that come with low repetition sets, such as squats, leg press and heavy deadlifts. Such exercises can cause a massive build-up of internal pressure, which may lead to internal bleeding at the operation site and potentially result in a scrotal hematoma. A scrotal hematoma is a nasty lump that can be as big as a grapefruit in your scrotum and may take up to 2 months to resolve.

Sexual Intercourse

You can resume normal sexual intercourse one week after a vasectomy. But you should use contraception such as condoms for at least 3 months and until after your semen has been double-checked and found to be completely sperm-free. Ever heard of pregnancies after a vasectomy? Sex within 3 months after a vasectomy may still result in pregnancy because your semen may still contain sperm. So use contraceptives until your doctor confirms that your semen is sperm-free.

Work With Your Urologist

To prevent any problems and reduce the time you need to be off before resuming normal work, follow post-care instructions strictly and pay attention to your doctor’s guidance. By using a cold pack during the first 3-4 days after the procedure and avoiding strenuous activities until your body has healed properly, you will prevent potential complications (such wound reopening, pressure build-up and infection) and speed up your recovery. Fortunately, the most likely issue after a vasectomy is often just a mild ache that goes away in a few days and can be contained with Paracetamol.The other complications, such as hematoma, infection and sperm granuloma (a pea-sized lump on the cut end of your vas deferens) are quite rare.

At St Pete Urology, we offer the painless, no-scalpel open-ended vasectomy procedure. And we guarantee that you recover swiftly and get back to your most cherished activities very quickly. Have questions still? Find out more about safe, painless vasectomy by visiting the “St Pete Urology” site.