Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Robert Dhir, MD. Dr. Robert Dhir is a board certified Urologist, Urological Surgeon, and the Founder of HTX Urology in Houston, Texas. With over 10 years of experience, Dr. Dhir’s expertise includes minimally-invasive treatments for enlarged prostate (UroLift), kidney stone disease, surgical management of urological cancers, and men’s health (erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, and infertility). His practice has been named a Center of Excellence for the UroLift procedure, and is a pioneer in non-surgical procedures for ED using his patented Wave Therapy. He earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from Georgetown University and was awarded honors in pre-medical studies, urology, orthopedics, and ophthalmology. Dr. Dhir served as chief resident during his urological surgical residency at University of Texas at Houston / MD Anderson Cancer Center in addition to completing his internship in general surgery. Dr. Dhir was voted Top Doctor in Urology for 2018 to 2019, one of the top three Best Rated Urologists in 2019 & 2020 for Houston Texas, and Texas Monthly has named him to the 2019 & 2020 Texas Super Doctors Rising Stars list.
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Okay, so you’re considering getting a vasectomy, but what about the big question—how will it affect your sex life? The good news is that vasectomies are super quick and you'll usually be fully recovered within a week. It’s completely natural to have some questions about the procedure and what happens afterward, so check out this guide so you know what to expect.
Steps
How long should you wait before ejaculating after a vasectomy?
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You should wait at least 3 days before you have sex. Recovering from a vasectomy usually doesn’t take a super long time. You may have pain, swelling, and tenderness for the first few days, but as long as you keep the incision dry and clean, and avoid heavy lifting or activities that require a lot of straining for the first 2 days, you should be able to both have sex and ejaculate by the third day. If you aren’t having any discomfort by then, you should be all set!- Keep in mind that a vasectomy isn’t immediately effective. Your partner can still get pregnant for the first 15-20 ejaculations after the procedure. Don’t have unprotected sex until your doctor confirms that there are no sperm in your semen.[1]
Talk to your doctor to make sure it’s safe before you do. Even though vasectomies generally heal up pretty quickly, every situation and every person is different. Your doctor may recommend that you wait a week or so before you actually have sex so you don’t injure or damage yourself. Just to be safe, talk to your doctor before you start having sex again after your vasectomy so you don’t jeopardize the healing process.[2]- You should rest to recover from a vasectomy. Spend several days away from exertional physical activity and ice the area on and off as needed for discomfort.[3]
- Avoid sexual activity or any heavy lifting over ten pounds for the first week. Avoid blood thinners like aspirin for the first few days after your procedure.[4]
- You can wear a tight jockstrap for scrotal support.
How long does it take for a vasectomy to be effective?
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It usually takes about 15-20 ejaculates to flush out any leftover sperm. After your vasectomy, you’ll still have a fair amount of sperm leftover that could potentially cause a pregnancy. Once you’re fully healed from the procedure, you can start resuming your normal sexual activities. However, you need to wait until at least 15 ejaculations to feel confident that the remaining sperm is all gone.[10]
Give a semen sample after 2-3 months to be sure. The only way to be sure that you aren’t still ejaculating sperm is to have a sample analyzed. In fact, your doctor will likely schedule an appointment for you to come in and provide a sample so they can be sure that the procedure was effective. Once your semen is analyzed and it’s confirmed that there isn’t any sperm, you should be all set![11]
Expert Q&A
Tips
- Vasectomies are usually a quick procedure and you can be fully recovered in less than a week. If you’re worried or nervous, talk to your doctor for more information about how safe and easy the procedure is.Thanks
Warnings
- Don’t have sex or ejaculate if you’re still feeling pain or tenderness after the procedure. It could affect the healing process.[13]Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/vasectomy/about/pac-20384580
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/vasectomy/about/pac-20384580
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/vasectomy/about/pac-20384580
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/vasectomy/about/pac-20384580
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/vasectomy-male-sterilisation/
- ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2019/march/7-things-about-vasectomies
- ↑ https://www.metrocentre.com.au/patients/media-centre/intimacy-post-vasectomy/
- ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2019/march/7-things-about-vasectomies
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/vasectomy
- ↑ https://www.mydr.com.au/mens-health/vasectomy-frequently-asked-questions
- ↑ https://www.mydr.com.au/mens-health/vasectomy-frequently-asked-questions
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/vasectomy
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/vasectomy/about/pac-20384580
About This Article
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
