Vasectomy
Post-Operative Instructions
Some oozing of blood-tinged fluid may occur from the small surgical wounds. This should stop within 2-4 days. Use an athletic supporter (jock strap) to hold some clean gauze against the wounds until oozing has stopped. You may find it comfortable to use the supporter until discomfort ceases.
You can expect swelling and some degree of bruising following the procedure. Some men find ice packs helpful diring the first 24 hours. If you think the scrotum isswelling to an extraordinary degree, contact the office for advice.
Wound infections occur rarely; these may cause unusual tenderness, redness, and swelling near the wound or within the scrotum. Drainage of cloudy fluid from the wound may also suggest an infection. Fever may or may not occur. If you think an infection has developed, contact the office promptly.
Avoid aspirin and any medication containing aspirin for at least 10 days.
Pain and discomfort following this procedure varies from one peron to another. You will be provided with pain medication that can cause drowsiness, slowing of reflexes, and other neurologic side effects. DO NOT DRIVE A VEHICLE OR OPERATE DANGEROUS MACHINERY WHILE TAKING PAIN MEDICATIONS. These medications can also cause constipation; stool softeners and milk of magnesia may be helpful.
Minimize your physical activity for about one week. Thereafter, you may resume your usual activities unless pain still exists. You may shower the day after the procedure.
It takes several months to clear the male ductal system of residual sperm. You must not consider yourself sterile until a semen analysis shows ABSOLUTELY NO SPERM. This analysis will be done 8-12 weeks after this procedure. Until then, you and your sexual partner(s) should continue other contraceptive measures.
