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After Your Vasectomy: Key Points

1. LIMIT YOUR ACTIVITY!!! You may feel absolutely fine shortly after the vasectomy, but that is NOT an indication that you can be physically active. Wait at least 72 hours before any vigorous activity, lifting, or even walking for distance. Too much activity too soon carries a risk of internal bleeding that would cause lots of pain and swelling, and significantly prolong your recovery.
2. As soon as you get home, place an ice pack or frozen peas between the two pairs of briefs, so that it presses against the dressing. Keep a cold pack on for 36 to 48 hours. This helps keep the swelling down and reduces pain.
3. Leave the dressing in place until the morning 2 days after the procedure, then remove it. (Wait until after the dressing is removed to shower). If the gauze dressing becomes bloody or wet, or falls off, we have provided extra for you. The puncture wound is so small that it does not require a stitch, but you can apply Neosporin or Vaseline if needed. You may continue to use gauze over the incision after you shower if there is still some drainage.
4. I recommend taking ibuprofen 400 mg three times a day for 3-4 days. This will help keep the swelling and discomfort to a minimum. You have been given a prescription for stronger pain medication if you need it. Tylenol could also be taken in addition to the ibuprofen.
5. Expect some bruising on the scrotum and penis, and some swelling above the testicles.
6. Wait 72 hours to resume physical work or workouts, but proceed with caution. Don't do anything that hurts. I strongly recommend very snug scrotal support for at least a couple weeks after the procedure.
7. Wait 7 days until resuming any sexual activity.
8. Remember that you are NOT STERILE immediately after the procedure. It really does take 15-20 ejaculations (OR MORE) to "clear out" the vas deferens of any remaining sperm. Therefore, you need to use birth control of some sort until we prove that you are sterile. Bring in a semen specimen at 6 weeks after resuming sex, or wait until you have had 15 ejaculations. The specimen should be brought in within 24 hours but does NOT need to be kept warm nor refrigerated. It can be collected using a condom. You do not need an appointment, and there is no extra charge for this service. Write your name on the container and drop it off at the desk in our office. We will call you with the results and instructions. A few weeks later, bring in another specimen. As soon as we confirm two consecutive semen samples as having ZERO sperm, you can stop using birth control.