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.


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