(HealthDay News) -- A vasectomy is a method of birth control that involves minor surgery to prevent sperm from reaching semen.
More than 500,000 men in the United States have the procedure each year,
the Urology Care Foundation says.
The procedure can be done in a urologist's office, a hospital or a surgery center.
Most men recover within a week, the Foundation says. Here's what you can expect after the surgery:
- You may be uncomfortable and require mild pain medication. If you have severe pain, see your doctor.
- A benign lump may form that may be painful to touch. See your doctor if this lump doesn't go away.
- Avoid sex and strenuous activities as you recover.
- Ice the scrotum, and consider wearing a jock strap.
