Page 1 - Vasectomy - Discharge Instructions
P. 1
Urological Health
Vasectomy
Discharge instructions
You have just had a vasectomy to provide you with permanent birth control.
ou have had a vasectomy for permanent You will likely be more comfortable in a scrotal support
Ycontraception (birth-control). Each vas deferens, or snug underwear. A gauze dressing may be used to
the tube that carries sperm from the testicles to mix protect the incision. Usually, after 24 hours, no dressing
with the ejaculatory fluid from the prostate, has been is necessary.
divided and blocked off through one or two small
openings in the scrotum. The opening(s) may have Scrotal swelling and bruising are common after a
been closed with dissolving stitches. Any skin stitches vasectomy. Application of an ice pack (or a package
should fall out within a few weeks when the skin of frozen peas) to the scrotum may help bring down
openings have healed adequately. any swelling. However, wrap the ice in a thin towel so
that the ice is not in direct contact with the skin and
apply for no more than 20 minutes, three to four times
Each vas deferens is exposed through a day.
a small incision and divided
Physical activity
Plan to limit your activity to light work around the
house for the next two to three days. Avoid strenuous
physical activity, heavy lifting, or exercise for the next
week. Any strain can cause bleeding and increase
swelling.
You can bathe or shower after 24 hours.
Sexual activity
Sexual activity can be resumed in about one week,
Each vas is exposed through when you are comfortable. Since you will remain
fertile for several weeks after your vasectomy, due
to persistent sperm in the tubes and glands, another
When the “freezing” from the local anaesthetic form of birth control (such as condoms) must be
wears off a few hours after your operation, you can used until you are advised that your semen is free of
expect some scrotal discomfort. This may last a few sperm. Regular ejaculation will help to clear out the
days. Use the pain medication as directed by your remaining sperm from the tubes.
physician. Mild pain often can be controlled with
acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol™) or ibuprofen Between 8 and 12 weeks after your vasectomy, you
(e.g. Advil™). must produce a semen sample by masturbation for
laboratory analysis. Your urologist will inform you of
the number of semen samples required, usually one
or two. Until notified that your semen is sperm-free,
you must use another form of birth control.
Continued on next page