Almost 2 weeks post op now. (I am 53 years old - well past breeding age!) Mine was with a general anesthetic - surgeon's choice, he works in a public hospital and that's how he likes to do things. I didn't argue.
NSV method with 2 small incisions, one at the L base of my penis, the other on the R about 2 cm lower. Both stitched with 1 dissolving stitch each.
Had no problems with the op - I was asleep the whole time. Woke up with my amidships wraped in ice. No pain at all, I think he gave me a local anesthetic while I was asleep to last me past wake-up time.
Had a few later issues with the stitches. R stitch healed OK but the actual stitch cut me! (Believe it or not!) This was after about a week, when it had basicly healed, so I decided that stitch had outlived its usefullness and out it come. No worries there since.
L side was a bit more serious. It got infected (nobodys fault - just bad luck) and as a result the works swelled up and got rather "tender", the stitch tore through and the wound opened up. Well that stitch was no more use to me anymore so out it come. A course of antiinflammatories and antibiotics from my local GP got rid of the swelling and infection but the damage was done.
I treated it with a moist packing to get it to heal over - my fear was that it would leave a hole that would need more surgery. I kept it packed with petrolium jelly to keep it moist, (http://www.squidoo.com/heal-open-wounds-faster) but that made it real hard to put a dressing on. It is hard enough to get anything to stick there at the best of times.
Anyway - now, 2 weeks on, infection gone, healing well on the way, swelling now basicly gone, still a little discomfort but improving every day.
So did it go entirely to plan? Well no, you don't expect an infection, or the complications that follow it. Will it be OK eventually? I now fully expect so.
Would I do it again despite the problems? YOU BET! The peace of mind is priceless!
Lesson: ask your doctor for a precautionary course of antibiotics when you get the job done - prevention is definetly better than cure, and do EXACTLY what your doctor says, even if you don't think you need to. He is the expert.
I had a vasectomy done one week ago and I would have to say it was not as bad as I thought. I was completely nervous before going and when I get nervous I start thinking bad things that could go wrong, however, I found it to be more relaxing when I was talking to the doctor about whatever I wanted to during the procedure and it helped. The left side was done first and I felt the needle go in my testicles. A little pitch and burning sensation, but not bad until he stuck the needle further in and it felt like someone grabbed my testicles and gave a little squeeze. Uncomfortable, hurt a little, but only for 2-3 seconds. After that I did not feel anything. I saw the smoke when they burned the tubes and it smelled a little funny, but not a smell that made me sick to my stomach. After the left side was done he did the right side and I figured I would feel the same pain... not at all actually because when they inject you on the first side it numbs most of everything. It took about 30 minutes and I was up and walking around. The first couple days were uncomfortable and small pains in my abdomen and testicles, but nothing I could not handle. The fourth day I woke up in a lot of pain that doubled me over, but went away in about 20 minutes and that was the last of the pain. By the fifth day it felt uncomfortable as if I had a soft ball between my legs. Right now the incisions itch a little, but not too bad. The worst part I think is going in to get the vasectomy done and waiting on the table for the doctor to see you. Make sure to bathe the night prior, shave as close to the skin as possible without cutting yourself and try to strike a conversation as it is being done or at least it helped me. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
I would have to say it was not that bad over all. I would study things like PVP(post Vasectomy Pain, as well as methods for recovery) but like I said, not bad. I hurt worse when I pull a muscle. I would compare this to a light rash in that area...as far as the pain goes.
My experience has not been too bad. Better than I anticipated, and I had not read any of this before hand (guess I didn't want to know). First our reason for going through with this was that my wife has had 3 successful c-sections, but each has resulted in a lengthy and challenging recovery. Our three boys are wonderful, but we just cannot put my wife through that trauma again, as a 4th would require yet another c-section. This seemed to be the best permanent alternative to my wife enduring another birth surgery. We are still open to growing our family, but we may do this in other ways (i.e. adoption).
The procedure was quick. The shots were no worse than a dentist shot in the mouth, pinch followed by a slight burn, then nothing. However on the right side I felt the initial cut and got more anesthetic. I do have a high threshhold for pain, so even though I felt something it was only a 5 out of 10 and the rest of the procedure was 0/10 for pain. Got home and actually took oldest son to baseball practice, but sat on the bench and watched (no coaching that day). Did not feel inclined to ice down, minor swelling but no real pain. Only the stiches itch and bug the snot out of me. (Hence I found this page, wanting to know how much longer!).
It has been 1 week today, and other than the hair returning and itchy stiches, I cannot complain. I believe I am having an easier than average recovery (and for those considering, let this give you hope!). My neighbor was iced up and sore for the length of a weekend. I took off 1 1/2 days (1/2 Thurs & Fri) to recover and returned Monday to work, though I do jockey a desk for the most part. I can imagine going back to a labor position, factory, construction site, etc. may be quite a bit more challenging. I have been able to avoid walking too much, but I did coach practice today, and was able to run short distances without any pain (other than itchy stiches reminding me they are still there).
I'll try and remember to report back in a week how the stiches are coming along. Tempted to just cut them out myself with some fine tip scissors (did that for a thumb injury I had previously, as opposed to return to urgent care). Probably not the wisest idea, but it worked out for me last time. Though those were in for at lease a few weeks as I recall...
I'm 31. I had my procedure yesterday. It's been just about 24 hours as I'm writing this. I read the testimonies on this site and started getting a little freaked out.
I think it all depends on your doctor and your body and how well you take care of yourself.
The only pain I felt during the procedure was the initial injection and when he pulled the tape off my penis afterward (ouch!). Otherwise, the only thing I felt during the precedure felt like I had a hot water pack on my abdomen. I felt nothing on either side. I chit chatted to the doctor and my wife the whole time. I did take valium. I don't think it took the edge off of my anxiety, but everyone said I just sounded like I was drunk.
I bled a little bit last night and this morning, but that seems to have stopped. I just kept some gauze on it. I've been in bed all day. I work from home so I just brought my laptop in the bed with me and worked most of the day. I can feel some discomfort when I get up, but that's it. I haven't taken any pain meds so far. I've kept ice on it most of the day off and on. I'll take it easy the next couple of days to avoid getting slammed on day 4/5 like some others have.
My procedure was the old fashioned kind with a scalpel and 2 incisions. My doctor is a DO and he knows his stuff. He was quick and I can hardly see the incisions. Those that say you MUST use a urologist aren't exactly right. I think there are good and not so good of any doctor. Just use your best judgement. If your DO hasn't done that many, maybe see a specialist. Mine has done countless vasectomies and did a good job preparing me and gave me written instructions for post-op. He also prescribed me an anti-inflamatory which I haven't seen mentioned yet.
Even if I do get some pain, I would recommend the procedure. I agree with those that have compared it to dental procedures. I've had much worse tooth cleanings and next time I'm going to let the hygienist know it!
Hi all. I had my vasectomy last Monday. I feel somewhat better, but my left testicle feels like it is constantly rubbing my leg and causing irritation. It also feels like when I move sometimes, there is a pinch on the left side like the stitch is being pulled or something. I was wondering if any of you guys have had similar feelings or issues with this. Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance
G'day boys. I am 40 and had mine done last night. Went in under general anasthetic. Was a breeze. Arrived at 4.15 pm in theatre by 4:45 and under by 5pm. Was awake and alert 10 mins post op. Walked out the front door at 7pm. The doc gave me a local anasthetic to get me through the first few hours apparently. So far no obvious bruising. Swelling is minimal. I put the boys on a cold pack as soon as I got home and until I went to bed. So 17 hrs post op all is well. Also wearing 2 pairs of underwear to get maximum support.