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As a couple, you may decide that you are finished having children and discuss permanent options for birth control. When considering a vasectomy, how do men really feel when it comes to this surgery?
In my family, when the conversation occurred I asked my husband what, if any, was the big concern for men. He answered me by saying, “That is a very sensitive area to think about someone poking around and not a place where I would like to be in pain.” Gee, you don’t say. As it turns out, I understood more than I knew. “I know. I felt the same way when I was getting ready for labor. I was nervous about pain in my sensitive area as I was preparing for the birth of each of our children.” (And none of our children were born less than eight pounds!)
Still, if that was what we decided, I wanted to be as helpful as I could to make the recovery easy. Here are some of the things that can help the healing process.
REST. Rest is essential for a smooth recovery. Set him up with some good movies, a comfortable pillow and give him time to relax as his body heals. I have heard that it is very important to continue to take things easy in the days following the surgery, EVEN if he feels better. As his support, remind him. REST. REST. REST.
ICE. My friend told me that all ice is not created equal. Ice will probably be recommended for the first few days after surgery. Cubed ice is not good. Crushed ice may not work either. If you can’t get shaved ice, you may want to buy frozen peas. (Buy two bags so one will always be ready when the other one begins to dethaw.) Or do what my friend did, she ran her crushed ice through her margarita machine in order to give her husband perfectly shaved ice. True love.
UNDERSTANDING. It is a common surgery but also a big deal. Think of all the wonderful things your husband did for you when you were recovering from labor or any other surgery. Offer to do the things for him that you like when you’re not feeling well. It may not be labor but it is an elective surgery. You are partners. You are a team. Be in it together.
Don’t forget to follow the doctor’s instructions when it comes to recovery and follow-up appointments!
I hope that if the time comes, I can be as much of a support to my husband as he has been to me in the past.
Add a Comment2 Comments
Hi Susie! Just had to put in my two cents about the V-surgery. We JUST went through it. And, I have to say that frozen peas were the preferred method of 'cooling' the pain. The smaller bags were best (light weight) and I would recommend having 4 on hand. He used 2 at a time, one for each side. Definately follow the rules of "RICE"- Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (of the feet that is:). My hubby said that wearing snug underwear helped. The most important thing...I found... to lighten the mood prior to surgery was a good sense of humor. Speghetti and meatballs, hot dogs.. were on our dinner menu- hee hee hee-- I promise he laughed too and the kids had noooo idea. All in all.. it was a quick and easy procedure. There definately was sensitivity after, but he healed very quickly and was out biking within a week or two... if that says anything to the guys out there. I tried my best to pamper him afterwards for a few days(and more) with his favorite drinks, snacks and movies and kept the kids and dog from jumping all over him for a few weeks. I'm so thankful to him because now I can avoid putting more chemicals in me or do a more invasive procedure to make sure we don't have more kids. And, as you know, those 'pills' aren't 100% :). thanks for the article Susie and good luck on that decision!- Ginga
December 11, 2009 - 7:33pmThis Comment
Thanks for the article, Susan. When my husband and I are one having children, I would like for him to have a vasectomy done. I find that it has a lot less side effects and risks than a hysterectomy and can only hope that my husband will change his negative thinking. I asked him to read this an he cringed at the mere word so we have a lot of preparing to do but I have faith that we will get there someday.
December 2, 2009 - 7:36amThis Comment