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How Long After a Vasectomy Should You Exercise?
A vasectomy is a permanent form of male birth control. Following a vasectomy, sperm cannot escape from your reproductive system and cause a pregnancy. Instead, the sperm is broken down and absorbed by the body. A vasectomy involves cutting off the vas deferens, the tubes that deliver sperm from the testicles to the urethra. If you live in Brooklyn and are thinking about getting a vasectomy, you should see a Urologist in Brooklyn, New York.
One of the most common questions men have after a vasectomy is how long before exercising again. The guidelines below are based on expert opinions and individual experience. What you should do depends on whether your surgery was an open-ended or closed-ended vasectomy.
Open-Ended Vasectomy
An open-ended vasectomy is performed by making a small incision, reaching the tubes, and then cutting them above the scrotum (open procedure). A closed-ended vasectomy (also called a “no-scalpel” or “keyhole” vasectomy) makes a tiny puncture in the scrotum and then locates and cuts the tubes using an instrument called a “vessel sealer.”
If you had an open-ended vasectomy and delivered semen during your procedure, you should use protection for at least one month because some sperm may remain in your semen for a few months after the procedure. Once you have confirmed no sperm in your semen, you can safely resume normal activities, including exercise. Therefore, a month after the vasectomy should be enough of a waiting period to wait until you exercise. Start with low-impact exercise like
- Walking
- Swimming
- Yoga
You can slowly progress to intense workouts as you recover.
Closed-Ended Vasectomy
If you had a closed-ended vasectomy, your doctor would ask you to use another form of birth control until they confirm that all sperm has been ejaculated through the semen (usually after two to three months). You can safely resume exercise after the doctor ensures no more sperm in your semen.
A closed-ended vasectomy is less complicated than an open-ended procedure. If the two methods are equally effective (i.e., failure rates), most doctors would choose a closed-ended vasectomy because it is less invasive.
If you had a closed-ended vasectomy, you could resume exercise as long as you check to ensure no sperm in the semen. Checking that there is no sperm in the semen is usually enough to ensure that all sperm has been ejaculated. You can do this by checking your penis right after you have ejaculated. If you see any sperm in the semen, wait for two to three months before you resume exercise.
You have nothing to worry about when it comes to exercising too soon after a vasectomy or following a vasectomy reversal. As long as you wait the appropriate amount of time, your vasectomy is unlikely to affect your reproductive ability or sex drive. However, it is always best to check with your doctor before exercising after a vasectomy, especially if this is your first surgery. If you are interested in getting a vasectomy or want a vasectomy reversed, you should see a Urologist in Brooklyn. Whether it is your first surgery or scheduling a vasectomy reversal, finding the right doctor can help guarantee an easier and smoother recovery from your vasectomy.
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