It's a no-brainer that your nether regions are going to feel a bit awkward after a vasectomy and each person will experience different levels of discomfort. Luckily most men just experience a mild dull ache and perhaps just a little swelling or bruising which will dissipate in a few days. The no-scalpel vasectomy may have fewer incidences of pain than traditional methods which use a scalpel.

Regardless of what type of vasectomy you may have had, local anesthesia is often used to numb the area. This numbness will wear off after about an hour to an hour and a half. Make sure that the doctor provides advice on the best way to handle the probably aches and pains. There may be use of over the counter pain relievers and antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent post-operative infection.

It is best to have someone with you when you get your vasectomy so that someone with a clearer head can listen and absorb the instructions. Doctors will usually speak with the person accompanying you to give verbal care instructions as well as provide you with written instructions as well. It is important to ask any pertinent questions regarding recovery and possible complications before leaving the hospital or clinic.

Listening to the doctor's instructions is important and they should be followed, even if you feel alright. Chances are you will not be able to drive yourself home so a companion should be with you. The doctor will likely prescribe special support clothing to support your scrotal area while the incisions or vasectomy site heals. These should be worn for as long as the doctor prescribes.

At home, it will be important to elevate and stay off your legs for the first few days. In addition, ice packs can also be applied to the scrotal area to help stave off bruising and swelling. If there are any problems with increased swelling, fever, chills or even fluid discharge, this could mean you have an infection and therefore need medical care.

You may not be able to take a shower for at least two days and definitely no soaking in the tub will be allowed until the surgery site heals a bit. Plus, soaking in a tub in the first day or two after the surgery can invite a bacterial infection. However, once the incision site has scabbed, quick warm baths may actually help.

Usually it only takes a day or two before you are able to be up and about and resume normal activities. For this reason, vasectomies are often scheduled at the end of the week to capitalize on weekend recuperation time. Don't expect to feel ready for any sexual activity for up to a few weeks, depending on your recovery time. Also, men are not automatically sterile after the vasectomy procedure. It could take several weeks of ejaculation in order to "flush" the sperm out of the reproductive system. Therefore, alternate forms of birth control still need to be followed.

Regular follow-up visits to the doctor are necessary so that the semen can be tested for sperm. The doctor will let you know once it is clear of motile little swimmers. Once you get the all-clear, you can do away with your birth control and enjoy a sex life free of worry about pregnancy. Of course, with new sexual partners, condoms should be used to prevent the contraction of possible sexually transmitted diseases.