Vasectomy
Vasectomy is a procedure for male sterilization. The procedure involves the ligation of (or removal of part of) the vas deferens (the tube that carries sperm to the ejaculatory ducts). This procedure can be performed in the office or the outpatient department at the hospital depending on your insurance coverage. Special note for patients with Medical Assistance: Your coverage requires that you sign a consent form 30 days prior to your procedure. If we do not have a signature dated 30 days before your scheduled procedure we will reschedule. Most men prefer to have their vasectomy performed at the end of the week so that they have the weekend to recover. If you have a job that does not require lifting or physical labor you will have no problem returning to work after a two day recovery. You will be asked to return approximately two weeks after your vasectomy for an appointment with your doctor and to receive your post vas instructions. The post procedure testing is very important to determine the success of the procedure. You will be asked to use birth control until you have had a negative sperm count. This may require more than one test.
Pre Op Instructions
A Week Prior to Surgery: Avoid all Aspirin and Ibuprofen products at least one week prior to surgery. A good rule of thumb is to use only Tylenol for pain and discomfort.
Evening before the Surgery: Shower with antibacterial soap, and shave your scrotum.
Morning of the Surgery: Unless otherwise instructed, you may have a light breakfast, but avoid heavy foods. Shower with antibacterial soap, and shave your scrotum.
1 1/2 Hours prior to you Scheduled Arrival Time: Please take your Valium Prescription (both pills). This was given to you at your evaluation appointment.
Scheduled Arrival Time: Please wear comfortable clothes and bring your athletic supporter or compression shorts with you the AM of your surgery. Also, make sure someone is available to drive you to and from your procedure. If you have been given a consent form, please bring your signed form with you the AM of your surgery.
Post Op Instructions
After Your Surgery:
- When you return home, take ONE of the pain pills that we have prescribed for you. Please lie down, and apply ice to the scrotum 40 minutes on 20 minutes off. Please do this for the first 24 hours post surgery.
- Wear your athletic supporter or compression shorts at all times during waking hours.
- Please rest for 48 hours post surgery, which means no significant activity.
- You may begin to take Motrin/Advil/Aleve as needed for pain or discomfort beginning the Monday AM following surgery.
Wound Care:
- You may notice a little bit of drainage from the incisions, this is not unusual.
- Please do not use any alcohol or peroxide because this will rapidly dissolve the sutures.
- An athletic supporter or compression shorts should be worn during waking hours for one week post-op.
- You may shower the following day. Wash the surgical area gently with soap and water. No tub baths, swimming or hot tub for 2 weeks.
Activity:
- ABSOLUTELY NO sexual intercourse for one week following the surgery.
- NO strenuous activity for one week following surgery
- No lifting of anything over 10 pounds for one week.
- Continue to use your present method of birth control until a negative semen analysis is obtained 12 weeks after the surgery.
Please note, that an additional test may be necessary should the first analysis be positive.
CONTACT THE DOCTOR IF:
There are any signs of infection, such as a fever greater than 101.5 F, undue swelling or pain.
IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER PROBLEMS NOT ALREADY EXPLAINED TO YOU, CONTACT OUR OFFICE OR, IF AN EMERGENCY, GO TO YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT