Vasectomy

Post Vasectomy Instructions

There is to be no heavy work or sexual relations for approximately 3-7 days. These activities can be resumed when you can do them comfortably.

The day of the surgery, apply an ice pack to the scrotum 2-3 times for 20 minutes. The morning after the surgery, the scrotal supporter is to be removed and a warm bath taken for a period of 15 minutes. If the dressing does not fall off spontaneously, it can be gently teased off in the bathtub. Warm baths are to be taken two (2) times a day for the next two (2) days and then once a day for the next week. No special solutions need to be added to the bath water, although the use of soap is quite permissible if one desires to wash at the same time. Following each bath, the scrotal supporter should be reapplied, but no further dressings or ointments are necessary at the operative site. The scrotal supporter should be worn for a total of one (1) week, although it can be removed at night if you are more comfortable without it. It must, however, be worn the night of surgery.

What one can expect following a vasectomy is a certain amount of black-and-blueness to the scrotal skin, and this often extends onto the shaft of the penis. There is usually a moderate degree of local swelling and pain which should be controlled with Tylenol. Drainage from one or both operative sites occurs quite frequently a week or two after surgery. This can be in the form of serum or old blood. It is no cause for alarm.

If there is significant swelling in the scrotum accompanied by severe pain, redness, heat or fever, please notify your doctor so that he may check the area and decide if an infection is present. In this instance, therapy with antibiotics usually results in prompt relief.

Remember, sexual prophylaxis must continue until your semen is free of sperm. The initial check is made approximately six (6) weeks or following ten (10) ejaculations post-vasectomy, whichever comes first. The semen is to be collected in a clean, dry, wide-mouthed container via masturbation or by withdrawal during intercourse. A condom cannot be utilized. The specimen is to be delivered to our office within three (3) hours of collection. So that you do not collect a specimen needlessly, it is suggested that you call our office the day prior to collection to ensure our availability. A minimum of two (2) specimens is required. Multiple semen checks are often necessary and are not a basis for anxiety regarding the successful outcome of your vasectomy.

NOTE: Please label the semen container with your name and phone number. Please check with your physician regarding post vasectomy semen sample instructions.