After Your Vasectomy

• The most important thing to remember is to go home to bed and lie flat immediately after vasectomy. This reduces the blood pressure in the tiny vessels in the scrotum and lessens any tendency to bleed and helps to reduce swelling.
• Keep an ice pack on the scrotum intermittently for the first few hours, again to shrink blood vessels and reduce swelling.


• Take Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.) 400 mg three times daily for the first seven days after your procedure.


• Limit your activity for the first two days. This will reduce any swelling, discomfort and bleeding.


• Avoid strenuous activity such as heavy lifting and sports for five to seven days. After this time, your comfort level can dictate your activity.


• Wear your athletic support or snug fitting shorts for at least 24 hours and as long as it feels comfortable.


• You may shower on the day after the procedure and may continue using the antibacterial skin wash. Do not soak in a tub or go swimming until the incision is healed.


• You may return to office type work in 48-72 hours or as your comfort level dictates.


• A prescription for pain medication will be provided before you leave the office. If you require additional medication or if the medication provided is ineffective, let your doctor know as you may need to be seen again.


• Bring a follow-up semen sample to the laboratory as instructed by your doctor approximately four months after the procedure. The doctor will inform you when the results are available, usually in about six or seven days from when the sample was delivered to the lab.

Remember: the procedure has not worked until your sperm count is zero!