How much swelling after a vasectomy is too much swelling? And what can they do about it?

There are multiple little answers. First it depends on the type of vasectomy–a no scalpel or not. A no scalpel vasectomy causes much less swelling and resolves in a shorter period of time. However, the level of activity immediately following a vasectomy is also significant. You should be instructed to be in a reclining position for 24 hours and the use of ice intermittently is critical. The details of this are a routine part of how we instruct our patients postoperatively

Published on Jul 11, 2012

It is not uncommon to have some bruising and minimal swelling. You should not have excessive swelling; it should not change the appearance of small indentation of the scrotal skin or rugae.

Having said this, collections of blood do occur (hematomas), and this causes swelling. Interestingly, urologists rarely recommend anything other than antibiotics or conservative therapy such as elevation and supportive underwear. In the majority of cases, the swelling goes away on its own and in time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012