Davine Family Medicine
Post-Op Vasectomy Patient Instruction Sheet
- Lie flat or in an easy chair with your feet up for the remainder of the day of surgery. Rest for the next two to three days, keeping your legs up as much as possible. Gradually resume routine activities over the next two weeks. Avoid climbing, running, lifting over 25 lbs., or heavy exercise for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Apply ice packs to the scrotal area for 10 to 15 minutes every two hours during the first day or two following surgery. This will help to reduce pain and swelling.
- After surgery, a gauze dressing will be on the surgical site. Leave this in place 24 hours. You should use a small dressing for several days after this. A small amount of Neosporin or similar will help the gauze stick to the wound.
- Continue to wear your athletic supporter (“jock strap”) day and night for 72 hours following surgery. Wearing the jock strap tightly the first day will help prevent any bleeding complications. The jock strap may be worn for the next week for comfort and support.
- You may take Tylenol OR Vicodin every 4 hours for pain (do not take Vicodin and Tylenol at the exact same time since they both contain acetaminophen). Avoid aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen/Motrin or naproxen/Aleve for several days after surgery to minimize bleeding risks.
- If you notice bleeding at the incision site, cover your hand with sterile gauze and gently apply pressure or pinch the area for 5 to 10 minutes. Notify your physician if the bleeding continues.
- You may carefully shower 24 hours after surgery. Do not take tub baths or swim for at least one week after surgery.
- Do not ejaculate for one week after surgery. You may gradually resume sexual activity after one to two weeks.
- You must use condoms or some other form of birth control until examination of two semen specimens shows no sperm.
- Semen checks will be done approximately 4 and 8 weeks after you post op check. You should ejaculate at least 15 times in the weeks prior to the first check. Samples should be collected in a clean plastic container and submitted to the lab on the same day.
- Please call 518-3680 if you have fever, bleeding, persistent or worsening pain, or other problems. Some bruising is usually normal and will go away within several weeks.
- Your follow up appointment is scheduled for ______at ______A.M./P.M.
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