No Scalpel Vasectomy Post Operative Instructions
Rest at home the day after surgery. You may resume your normal activities after one or two days, but avoid work and strenuous exercise for at least 48 hours. This will help the wound heal.
Ice packs (frozen peas) for the 1st (2) hours will help minimize swelling.
You may shower on the day after the surgery but do NOT soak in the tub or swim in a pool for at least 2 weeks.
Do not pull or scratch the wound while it is healing.
Wear a snug undergarment or scrotal support for at least two days after the surgery.
You may remove the bandage on the third day after the operation.
You may have sex with your partner as soon as it is comfortable for you. This is usually two or three days after the operation but please use another form of contraception until notified by my office of semen analysis results.
Return to clinic or call:
If you have a fever within one week of surgery.
If there is any bleeding or pus in the wound.
If there is any pain or swelling around the world that gets worse or does not go away.
If your partner ever misses a period or thinks she is pregnant. This is very important. It may mean the operation has failed and your partner may be pregnant.
Stitches are not usually required in a No-Scalpel Vasectomy but if you have stitches a follow-up visit will be arranged in my office in about one weeks time.
It is not unusual for some blood to be evident in your ejaculation for a few weeks.
Proof of Sterility
You cannot be certain of sterility until 3 1/2 months have passed, two successive samples of semen have been examined and reported to contain no semen. You must continue to take contraceptive precautions until advised you are sterile. To obtain your reports please call my office one week after the second sample has been submitted. Two containers are provided for samples. Samples should be taken promptly to a medical laboratory near you. The first sample should be sent 3 1/2 months after the operation and the second two weeks later. You will receive a report of the results by phone after each sample. The waiting period allows scars over end cuts of the vasa to become well established gives time for any sperm remaining in the vasa to die, and in most me is sufficient time for any remaining sperm to be cleared out.
If sperm are found additional samples must be examined until two in successions are negative. Of course you should use an effective method of birth control during this period. Should sperm persist in the semen samples a follow-up visit will be arranges to discuss your options.