Vasectomy Advice/opinions

Updated on October 27, 2009
L.C. asks from Denver, CO
33 answers

HEllo mamas. My husband and I are expecting twins in December, which will put us at 5 children. We have made the decision that 5 is enough for us, and my hubby has said he would like to get a vasectomy. I'm not sure exactly what kind of "Recovery" this will mean for him. He has been talking about doing it right after the babies are born, but if he is going to need taking care of, then it can't be done while I am trying to recover from childbirth. I've heard that its a pretty simple procedure, and you're only out for a day or two, but he's convinced that he's going to have to take 4-5 days off work, and not be able to do anything. The other issue is, we woiuld like to get it done before the year is out, since we have already met our deductible and wouldn't have to pay as much out of pocket. The other issue is taking time off work. He is in retail management, so on his feet all day, and he's not able to take more than 2-3 days off since he is saving his time off forwhen the babies are born. So anyone with experience with this, please let me know! Thanks in advance

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T.K.

answers from Fort Collins on

When my husband had his vasectomy, he was in bed for 1 day, but the bruising lasted agout 5 days. There was no pain with the bruising though. Good luck to you guys.

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D.M.

answers from Denver on

My husband just had a vasectomy and the recommendation is to be on bedrest for 3 days and then to resume normal activity after that and not to lift more than 25 lbs. The bed rest helps to decrease swelling and speed up recovery. So doing it right after you have delivered twins is probably not a good idea.

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K.D.

answers from Provo on

My husband had one just over a year ago. One day down and a couple more days uncomfortable. As long as he follows the instructions from the doctor, including good support then he'll be fine. I asked my hubby how bad it really was and he said it wasn't much worse than being kicked in the privates. You shouldn't have to do much for him afterwards, just give him 1-2 days of rest and piece.

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Z.L.

answers from Denver on

My husband had a vasectomy a few months after we had twins. It was one whole day in bed with ice, then better after that. I wouldn't say he was 100% for a week or so. I'd say have him wait a little while - since newborn twins need a lot of attention - and then arrange it so that he will have 3-4 days off of work, since he is on his feet all day.
That being said - best of luck with your pregnancy!! If you have any concerns or questions regarding the twin pregnancy or beyond, feel free to contact me. They are so much fun!

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A.P.

answers from Pocatello on

Assuming there are no complications... easy, easy, easy. My husband had it done toward the end of a workday, so he wasn't out all day. (acutally, on a Friday as well) That evening he had a (one total) pain pill, but the next day just ibuprofen. He was at church Sunday, and at work Monday. No big deal. The precautions would include not having a sibling "crawl" on daddy- ouch!- and no serious lifting, which may include kids depending on their ages. But just for a few days.

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K.K.

answers from Great Falls on

My husband got his vasectomy when our daughter was about 5-6 months old, and he was a stay at home dad at the time since my benefits/pay were better etc. I think that the most challenging part of the recovery is that they feel 'just fine' within a couple of days, but really shouldn't lift anything heavy yet (more like 5-7 days). Unfortunately, that meant that I took a few days off of work to take care of the baby since he wasn't able to lift her etc. and he actually did hurt himself a little by lifting her too soon, so he was sore a bit longer than maybe he should have been. I would recommend that you shedule his procedure (which that was only like 30 minutes in the Dr. office) when you are able to take care of the babies, and potentially when he may already have a "long weekend" due to holidays or something so he doesn't miss too much work, but if he doesn't have to do much lifting, it shouldn't put him down too much. The technology has changed so much since our parents' generation, there were no stitches, minimal ice required etc. I think that when my dad got his done in the 70s, it was at least a week on the couch with a bag of ice on his crotch, much more invasive and painful than it is now. And remember to thank him for offering to do the procedure, it is much less invasive than tubal ligation and gets YOU off of any artificially inflated/manipulated hormones.
Good luck with everything and the babies!

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J.P.

answers from Boise on

Why not have him do it now, and do it the afternoon of one of his "Fridays". I don't know how bad it is for them, but the responses seem to say only a day or so, so he would only have to take off a couple hours and then have the weekend to rest if he feels he needs it?

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K.B.

answers from Denver on

My husband had a vasectomy on a Friday and was back at work, in a little bit of pain, but back at work on Monday. I assume you are having a c-section with the twins. You might look into having your tubes tied instead, since the doc will be in there anyway.

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F.J.

answers from Salt Lake City on

My husband had this proceedure done 2 weeks before our son was born. He took Friday off and was back to work on Monday. He was a little sore and had to take it easy but it really was not too bad on him physically. However, 15 mos later we got pregnant again with our daughter (#7) Make sure he goes back for the follow up visits or you might get a "present" later, we sure did! He ended up having it re-done a second time and he said it was much more painful! I got my tubes tied also so now we are double protected!!! Seven kids is more than enough!!! Best of luck to you with your 5

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T.G.

answers from Pueblo on

Hey MS. L.!!
First of congratulations on your new additions to your family...!! My husband and I were in the same boat 3 years ago. We had 3 girls and decided that we were not going to have any other children, so my husband had decided that he would get the vasectomy too....well two weeks before the first initial doctor visit...I found out I was pregnant...OMG! I was on birth control but I guess my little angel was meant to be here....it was also our 1st little boy....so he has just completed our family. Anyway, while I was pregnant we decided that we would still get his vasectomy done. For the same reason you are wondering...how much down time is he gonna need...? I was six months pregnant...it was on a thursday and he was up and semi walking by the following monday. He was on vacation that week so his recovery time was acutally about a week. But some advice is for the first 24 to 48 hours do not let him move....just lay down and ICE, ICE, ICE. I used bags of frozen peas and corn and just bag after bag of ice. As long as he doesnt do much for the first couple of days...he will be good. My husband is very athletic but the doctor told him that for the first two weeks he couldnt run...that about drove my husband nuts....He just needs to rest and relax. So my suggestion is wait until you are able to help him or do it before you have the babies....that way you can help eachother through each recovery...(vasectomy, childbirth)...Good Luck... I hope I helped....May God Bless you....

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J.W.

answers from Denver on

If all goes well, the process is pretty quick. I went in with my husband to get his vasectomy on Friday(We were there less than 2 hours including the wait and doing the paperwork) My husband took it easy Sat and Sun and was completely recovered by Monday. He wasn't in pain at all, and he was still able to do things except lifting or moving heavy items. If he can, he should try to have it done the day before his days off. Good luck!

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C.P.

answers from Provo on

It is so much easier for a man to get it all taken care of than a woman. Hats off to him and congratulations to you for having such a wonderful man. The procedure takes about 15 minutes and the recovery is only about a day. He can go and do it now and I think you would both feel better about things. All of his swimmers will be gone and birth control will not be an issue for you again. You will be glad when everything is taken care of.

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A.B.

answers from Boise on

My husband also had the procedure done and while recovery was only a few days he did have a great deal of pain and it was difficult for him to get around. He wears boxer briefs and thought that he could use those for the support needed post op. However, the underwear did not provide the support that he needed-he ran out and bought some "tighty whities" and felt much better after that. So my suggestion would be to make sure he has the right support udies and he will be fine. Also, it depends on which procedure he has. There are a few to chooose from. Some are less invasive and therefore less painful and quicker recovery than others.

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A.J.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Hello L.,
Congratulations on your new additions. As for the vasectomy, I would have your husband do it now, while you are still pregnant. Because it takes about 10 to 15 times of having sex to "clear the lines" so to speak. And since you are already pregnant it won't cause another pregnancy. My husband had one it took 30 minutes, he came home with an ice pack and only took tylenol. He had it done on a thursday and left for Taiwan on business on Sunday. No complications. No stitches, no bleeding, just ice. The only thing I will say is that men will complain about it. So be prepared for that. But it would be better to get it done right away before the babies are born. It's better and easier for men to have a vasectomy than for women to have their tubes tied, because their (men)equipment is on the outside and ours is on the inside. So I would encourage your husband to have it done before your twins are born, instead of after. Just a thought.

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M.A.

answers from Denver on

When my DH had this done it was no big deal. He was uncomfortable for a few days, but the doc gave him a prescription for pain meds. My dh is such a big baby that he took them all!
Honestly, a couple of days of rest should be fine. Your doc should talk to you about recovery time, etc - but it was no big deal at all!

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W.N.

answers from Denver on

My husband was so scared about it, but then said it was no big deal. He was in bed for one day and didn't even take pain killers the next day and was up doing fine. Good luck!

W. Nichols-Dewey, CD(DONA)
www.birthfirstdoula.com

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A.N.

answers from Grand Junction on

do it sooner rather than later.
my huuby got one when i was four months prego with #3.
get it done on a friday, my hubby did and was back to work, in a busy hospital kitchen where he is the manager, on monday, with a restriction of not lifting more than 15 pounds for a week afterwards. also, when he gets it done, make sure he's got, snug but not tight underware, not boxers, and an ice pack. congrats and good luck

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J.L.

answers from Pueblo on

He will or they will turn black and blue. It will hurt but only for 2-3 days. A bag of frozen pees work great for a icepack just make sure you mark them as such cause you wont want to eat them after being frozen then unfrozen a few time. He will be able to get up and do simple things for himself even during those first few days.

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K.H.

answers from Denver on

Hi L.! My husband had a vasectomy after my second daughter was born, and recovered very quickly! He did not miss any days of work, but scheduled the surgery for a Friday so he would have the weekend to recover at home. He was fine with taking ibuprofen by the second day instead of the pain pills from the Dr. My husband did need to go out and buy a good cup that he could wear under his pants at work for the first few days and that helped too! Good luck!

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J.C.

answers from Denver on

It was very straight forward for my husband. The procedure took 10 minutes. He felt achy for about 24 hours-nothing an ice pack, vicodin and rest didn't take care of and he admitted to me "I don't know what my coworkers were talking about. This wasn't a big deal at all." I think it's more the thought that's hard for guys. The other challenging thing was that he had to e******** a high number of times before submitting samples to see if it worked. At first he thought "I could think of worse things to have to do." But it did get pretty old..Good luck. They're a great thing for the woman!! I am very fertile and it was a huge gift to me not having to worry about contraception anymore!!

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W.R.

answers from Salt Lake City on

When my husband had his done, he had the procedure on a Friday morning. He took that day off work, and then figured he'd get all day Friday, then the weekend to recover.

By Saturday afternoon, he was going stir crazy and wanted to go out and do something. He had a bit of pain, but was fine going out and working a normal schedule by Monday. It took 10 days or so before he felt totally normal, but he was up and about within a day or two.

I think he wouldn't have felt pain for so long if he'd actually stayed down the whole weekend, but he couldn't help it.

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C.H.

answers from Salt Lake City on

anywhere from 2 days to 1 week. Talk to a doctor.

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K.D.

answers from Denver on

If possible, I'd say do it before the babies come. If not, no big deal. We did it. Baby was born on Monday, home Wednesday, with neither her nor I recovering well, vasectomy on Friday. I still couldn't even get out of bed except to use the bathroom, and only with major help. Hubby had to preach two services Sunday. He probably would have preferred to not have been on his feet that day, especially for so long, but he said it wasn't that big of a deal. Monday was just a normal day for him, with a little soreness. If I recall right, he didn't use any of the pain killer they suggested. Just Advil the first day or two. We did it that way because of the deductible, as well. I will say, being on his feet Sunday seemed to make Sunday night and Monday a little tougher, but it wasn't a problem. He was on his feet from Sunday morning on taking care of me and baby which included a lot of hospital trips and doctors visits. GL! Congratulations on the two additions! I didn't look at where you are, but we had a great doctor do his. If you're in Denver and interested, I could give you his information. It's the same Urologist who the doctors I used to work for 15 years ago were recommending and our current doctor and my OB/GYN recommended.

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D.W.

answers from Boise on

I would do it before Thanksgiving. Does he get a 4 day weekend then, or does he have to work Black Friday? See if he can schedule the last appointment of the day, and take the following 2-4 days off. My husband also works retail, and for special circumstances, they let him take 2 days off at the end of the week, and 2 days off at the beginning of the week, which doesn't take any vacation or sick time. He doesn't have set days off. It varies per week. So, maybe he could do that in addition to taking another day or two of vacation or sick time???

Plus, you don't need another "baby" to take care of for 2-4 days after you have twins. Men are whimps when it comes to pain. Plus, you can be sure not to get pregnant until after he goes to the follow-up visit and makes sure it was a success, since you will have your "healing" time, as well.

If you have had all your babies without C-Section, I wouldn't let them talk you into doing that without trying "normal" first. I wouldn't get your tubes tied at the same time, if you end up doing a C-Section, unless it is the "last resort". I don't like the idea of them doing surgery to something that messes up the women's hormones. Vasectomy's don't effect the men in any way after surgery. Heck, and I say, if we can do child birth, they can suffer minimal pain for 2 days!!! LOL

Best wishes to you to find what works best for you!

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K.

answers from Denver on

Hello,
My husband had a vasectomy and was one of the rare ones that had ongoing pain for quite a while. He also did not rest the day after the procedure (actually went and played pool with a buddy), which I think is what set him up for some of these problems. So, I highly suggest setting it up for a time when your husband can follow the doctor's advice and lie around for at least a day afterwards. Thanks!
K.

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J.W.

answers from Pueblo on

My hubby had a vasectomy a few months ago. He had it done on a Friday afternoon. He used frozen peas to numb the area after. He spent the weekend in bed and said it just hurt. He was out of commission for the weekend. The aftercare brochure said to do nothing for 24 hours. He just extended it to 48.

My brother in law (father of twins :)) had one, got up the next day and went for a walk and played with his kids. He totally overdid it and was laid up for a week.

I would recommend your hubby have it done before having two newborns in the house so you don't have to take care of him and not get help with them! If he gets 2 days off in a row, have him take an extra day and get it done early that morning. He will not be able to drive home, but it is an out patient procedure.

Congrats on the twins! :)

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M.S.

answers from Boise on

First off it really depends on the procedure. For my husband they cut him open, cut the tubes, cauterized and tied them and sutured him back up. He was awake during the procedure just on vallium. He will swell up and the first day or two he will not be able to do anything but sit on the couch with a bag of frozen peas on him. He will also need a jock strap to hold him up because if he is not held up he will be in a lot of pain, but if he is held up then it won't hurt as bad. He will also bruise really bad, turn purple. However, within a day or two he will be fine. He will have to continue to wear the jock strap for awhile, but other than that he will be able to do just about anything.

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J.S.

answers from Provo on

My husband had it done on Friday so he could go back to work on Monday. Well he took his ice pack on Saturday and went Shooting Guns with his brother, he felt that great. If he thinks he needs 4-5 days to recover, he is pulling your leg. Trust me 2 will be plenty and it's not of him doing nothing, he just needs to keep ice on it for a few days.

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P.D.

answers from Denver on

Is there any reason he can't have it done now, while you are still pregnant? Then you don't even have to deal with him recovering while you are, plus birth control won't be an issue again. After the procedure is done, it takes a few times to get all the 'guys' out, and then they do follow-up testing to make sure everything worked. Since the decision sounds like it has been made, there really doesn't seem to be an upside to delaying it. The recovery will be quicker than he thinks. I'm sure the mere idea makes guys think it will take longer than it really does. My husband was fine after a day or two. And by the way, my husband and I were so glad he had it done. SO worth it not to have to worry about birth-control when you know you're definitely done having kids!! Good luck!

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J.L.

answers from Denver on

Your husband should most likely be fine to work after about 2 or 3 days. My husband went back to work after that and he stands at work too. Also, when he's down for those couple of days he will most likely be down! You will probably be on your own for those couple of days. Has he considered doing it before your babies arrive?

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L.H.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I don't know anything about vasectomy recovery, but I have had twins so I will say: don't do it right after the babies come! You are going to need him to be at the top of his game, not recovery from a procedure. Schedule and get it done now so that he's fully and completely healed before you give birth. You guys will have too much on your hands with twin babies and three older children to deal with him healing, too.
Good luck in your decision.

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N.S.

answers from Great Falls on

The last I heard, it's an outpatient procedure, and your husband can be back at work the next day. What he can do, is schedule the surgery for sometime after his lunch break, and take the rest of the day off after his surgery.
Your best bet, is to also look around for a urologist who performs several a year, that way you have a knowledgeable, experienced Dr. doing it. Other than that, unless your hubby has absolutely no pain tolerance, he shouldn't "need" taken care of or any sort of bed rest. You do need to remember, though, that you can't have sex for a while after the procedure. Things need to heal up in there.
I would accompany your hubby to the appointment, so if he's a little tender afterward he's got someone to drive him home, and doesn't have to worry about driving while he's ouchy.

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C.E.

answers from Denver on

My husband had it done years ago. His procedure was in the a.m. and he was wearing jeans and taking me out that same night!

He'll be fine - but since everyone different - I would recommend him doing it in advance of the birth. That way you don't have anything to worry about!

C.

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