How Long After a Vasectomy Can I Drink Alcohol?
MedlinePlus gives no alcohol rule for after a vasectomy, but it asks you to tell your surgeon beforehand if you drink more than 2 drinks a day. Most men return to work the next day and to normal activity in 3 to 7 days. If you take pain medicine, wait: the NIAAA warns that acetaminophen with alcohol can damage the liver and opioid pain relievers with alcohol can slow breathing.
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We use your email only for this download.Can you drink alcohol after a vasectomy?
The NIH’s MedlinePlus vasectomy guide does not give a waiting time for alcohol after the procedure. It does say to tell your surgeon or nurse before the procedure if you drink more than 2 drinks a day.
Recovery after a vasectomy (MedlinePlus)
- You can usually return to work the next day if your job is not heavy physical work; normal activity typically resumes in 3 to 7 days.
- Wear a scrotal support for 3 to 4 days; an ice pack helps with swelling, and acetaminophen may ease discomfort.
- Sex is usually possible after about a week.
- Use birth control until a test shows your semen is free of sperm.
Pain medicine is the other reason to wait. The NIAAA lists opioid pain relievers such as Percocet and Vicodin as causing drowsiness, dizziness, slowed or difficult breathing and an increased risk of overdose with alcohol, and says over-the-counter pain relievers with alcohol can cause stomach upset, bleeding and ulcers, and liver damage with acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Our advice: skip alcohol on the day of the procedure and while you take pain medicine, and follow your own discharge sheet.
People also ask
Can I drink alcohol after a vasectomy?
MedlinePlus gives no specific rule; avoid alcohol while you take pain medicine (NIAAA) and follow your surgeon's instructions.
Why can't you drink alcohol after a vasectomy?
Mainly because of pain medicine: acetaminophen with alcohol can harm the liver and opioid painkillers with alcohol can slow breathing (NIAAA).
When can I return to normal activities after a vasectomy?
Most men return to work the next day and to normal activity in 3 to 7 days (MedlinePlus).
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