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How do I Reduce Vasectomy Swelling?

Lori Kilchermann
Lori Kilchermann

Vasectomy swelling is a common side effect from a vasectomy, which is an outpatient birth control procedure for men that severs the vasa deferntia and stops sperm from leaving the body through ejaculation. To alleviate swelling from a, the scrotum should be wrapped tight with a wrap, and ice should be applied to the area. Over-the-counter pain medication can be taken and should manage the pain on its own.

To aid in recovery and to eliminate vasectomy swelling, jockey shorts are recommended for the first week or so following the procedure. A scrotal supportive undergarment could also be worn to help with sore testicles. It is important to inform the doctor of any increasing pain or swelling as this could be a sign of infection.

After a vasectomy, it may be necessary to wear a scrotal support undergarment to help with sore testicles.
After a vasectomy, it may be necessary to wear a scrotal support undergarment to help with sore testicles.

Vasectomy swelling is common after the procedure; however, it typically only lasts for a few days. Ibuprofen should not be taken to reduce pain as it also could promote bleeding. It is very important to avoid sexual activity during the first two weeks following the procedure as swelling could increase from movement.

Many doctors recommend staying in bed for the first 24 hours to reduce vasectomy swelling. Heavy lifting should be avoided for at least one week. Most men, however, are able to return to work after two or three days. Once sexual activity has returned, the couple should practice an alternative birth control method for six to eight weeks as the sperm can often survive in the semen for many weeks following the procedure.

Vasectomy swelling typically only lasts a few days.
Vasectomy swelling typically only lasts a few days.

The doctor will complete a follow up examination to check for post-vasectomy swelling after four or six weeks and to check for live sperm three months after the procedure. It is important to ejaculate 20 to 25 times prior to this examination in order to remove any live sperm still in the semen. Some minor swelling may occur in the first couple of weeks. This is normal and should not be alarming.

A vasectomy can sometimes be reversed; however, it is not guaranteed and the procedure is very costly. It is imperative to be sure that this procedure is wanted prior to having it done. It should be considered permanent.

An ice pack can reduce swelling.
An ice pack can reduce swelling.

Typically, this procedure is routinely accomplished without incident. The vasectomy swelling is gone within the first few days and the healing is complete in a matter of weeks. While the male testicles continue to produce live sperm for the remainder of the man's life, none are released from the body following the vasectomy procedure.

Discussion Comments

anon965433

@anon321533 -- You said eventually, use heat. How long before you put heat on? Right now I am on day 6 and I think the swelling is getting worse and the bruising starting today as well. With it starting so many days after, is there anything I need to worry about? I also put on the wife's panties and you were not kidding -- it was instantly better.

anon321533

After severe swelling and a trip to the ER the doc said that supportive garments would help. He suggested an athletic supporter or tighty-whities.

Day 1: (after the surgery) wife bought me a pack of whiteys and that helped a little.

Day 2: I doubled up the whiteys to provide extra support. This seemed to really work!

Day 3: While in the shower, I accidentally drenched all available briefs and was feeling a bit worried. The wife was out of the house and in order to give myself proper support to alleviate the pain, I grabbed something she calls Spanx. Dude, these worked. After some thinking, the realization came that male undergarments are not designed to apply pressure to the region where the boys reside, and women's shape wear is not designed to accommodate the boys, so they applied greater pressure and therefore, support.

While wearing these I can actually stand up, move around, lift a few things, etc.

I went shopping online found a few things that would help me.

You're looking for two things:

First, they're called shape wear. Women use them to compress things into more visually desirable locations.

Second, find something that doesn't have a seam down the center of the front. This will force the boys in opposite directions (not good).

While the boxer shaped ones are more passable as normal garments, they provide less upward motivation (support) and pressure on your swollen genitals than brief style shapewear.

The pressure will help control and gradually reduce swelling. Plus, you might not run into one of the swollen boys while trying to walk. Oh yeah -- ice and eventually heat.

EdRick

Ice, ice, and more ice, my friend. I had a vasectomy during our pregnancy with our daughter; we actually hadn't planned to have another. We were delighted to meet her, but definitely time to stop the baby train!

Lay in several bags of frozen peas so that you can re-freeze them while still having a fresh bag to use.

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    • After a vasectomy, it may be necessary to wear a scrotal support undergarment to help with sore testicles.
      By: peterjunaidy
      After a vasectomy, it may be necessary to wear a scrotal support undergarment to help with sore testicles.
    • Vasectomy swelling typically only lasts a few days.
      By: vgstudio
      Vasectomy swelling typically only lasts a few days.
    • An ice pack can reduce swelling.
      By: Dani Simmonds
      An ice pack can reduce swelling.
    • Heavy lifting should be avoided for at least a week after a vasectomy.
      By: ndoeljindoel
      Heavy lifting should be avoided for at least a week after a vasectomy.
    • Although a vasectomy may prevent pregnancy, condoms should be worn to prevent sexually transmitted disease.
      By: Peter Atkins
      Although a vasectomy may prevent pregnancy, condoms should be worn to prevent sexually transmitted disease.
    • Vasectomy is a common surgical procedure, chosen by millions of men as an inexpensive, safe and reliable form of birth control.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Vasectomy is a common surgical procedure, chosen by millions of men as an inexpensive, safe and reliable form of birth control.
    • You should not take ibuprofen following a vasectomy.
      By: Sherry Yates
      You should not take ibuprofen following a vasectomy.
    • Men should not engage in heavy lifting following a vasectomy.
      By: Michael Flippo
      Men should not engage in heavy lifting following a vasectomy.