You have had your vasectomy…here are some “after the procedure” instructions and a heads up on potential issues that are peculiar to having a vasectomy.
- The small opening at the midline of the upper strotum does not have a suture and will close on its own. A thin film of Neosporin ointment daily is recommended. Any spotting/oozing is usually corrected with pressure to the incision site for 30 minutes.
- You can shower the day after the procedure, but don’t let water hit the procedure site directly.
- Ice to the scrotum after the procedure helps with swelling and with discomfort. (Lidocaine is used at the opening and along the course of the vas tubes so there is anesthesia for an hour or so after the procedure.)
- You’ll be given something for pain, this is to be used in an “as needed fashion.” If you don’t have pain, don’t take it or use Advil or Aleve. Taking a half a pill is acceptable.
- Try to be off your feet with the scrotum elevated strictly for the first 24 hours and then as much as possible for the next two days. Most patient who have the procedure on a Thursday or Friday take it easy over the weekend and return to work on Monday. If you have a strenuous job, you may want to gradually get back into your routine.
- For the first week after the vasectomy, compression underwear to stabilize the scrotum and elevation of the scrotum with a rolled sheet when sitting can reduce any swelling.
- No sexual activity for one week.
- No unprotected sexual activity until we have evaluated two negative specimens. It takes approximately 25 ejaculations to clear the tube beyond the vasectomy site. (A couple can achieve pregnancy if there is unprotected sexual activity before the sperm has completely cleared.) We recommend evaluation of specimens as a rule at 6-8 weeks. It is not about the time since the vasectomy, it is about the number of ejaculations.
- Even though the opening is in the middle of the upper scrotum, the vasectomy sites are on the left and right underneath the skin. Discomfort, bruising or asymmetrical swelling is not uncommon, but should slowly improve over several days.
- Each patient is given two specimen containers after the procedure and there are several options regarding checking the post-vasectomy specimen. Dr. McHugh examines semen specimens with a microscope at no expense. (The best days for dropping off the specimen is Monday, Wednesday and Friday-but it best to call to be sure he is available to examine.) For out of town patients, specimens can be taken to a local hospital for a “post vasectomy” semen analysis (we can fax an order) or use online test kits such as spermcheck.com.
- It is not unusual, maybe 5-10% of specimens, will have a rare sperm. This just means that more time/ejaculations are necessary to completely clear all of the sperm. We will require two consecutive completely negative evaluations.
- There are no special instructions about the specimen. If you obtain the specimen in the morning and drop off later in the day, this is not a problem. We are not doing a formal count, only the presence of absence of sperm. We will call you back with the results that day.
Concerns you may have after the procedure-How to contact us.
- If any issues arise that you have questions about, feel free to contact us using the form below.
- We will be happy to speak to you (770) 535-0000 or if you feel it is necessary, we will arrange for an examination in the office at no expense to you.
- Our email: ngurology@gmail.com (Dr. McHugh replies on weekends!)
- You also can utilize our text to email option. (You text your comment/concern and it comes immediately to our email. We check our email numerous times a day and on weekends.) The response comes back to you as a text. Here’s the number: 770-376-5616
Thank you for allowing us to participate in your care.
Vasectomy Reversal
