Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a method of permanent sterilization. The doctor will cut the sperm ducts and remove a piece of each duct. After a vasectomy, you will still make sperm, but they cannot swim beyond the blockage. Your body absorbs them. There is no change in your sexual function. Erections and hormone levels stay the same. A vasectomy does not protect you from sexually transmitted disease (STD).
There are no known long-term problems after a vasectomy. About 60-70% of men develop antisperm antibodies in their blood. This is a harmless allergy to their own sperm. There is no data that confirms these antibodies have a major effect on other organ systems. Rarely, a man may have pain around the testicles after the vasectomy. Heat and medicine may help.
Before Surgery
• You will need to stop taking aspirin and ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®, Nuprin®), Vitamin E and Coumadin® (warfarin) at least one week before your vasectomy.
• Do not shave your scrotum or penile area. This may increase your risk of an infection.
• You will need to have someone drive you home.
Home Care after Surgery
1. Wear the scrotal support at all times for the first 24 hours. This will help prevent swelling. You may want to wear the support for up to a week for comfort. Bruising of the scrotum and penis may occur.
2. Use ice packs or a frozen bag of corn or peas on the area for the first 24 hours. Wrap the cold pack in a towel. Use it for 20 minutes on and 30 minutes off. Do not leave it on longer than 20 minutes as it can harm tender tissues. You may also use Tylenol® or ibuprofen for pain control.
3. Stitches (if used) will dissolve in about 2 weeks. Keep incisions dry for 24 hours. Then, you may shower. You may gently wash the area with a mild soap and water and pat dry. No bathtub, hot tub, or swimming pool for at least 2 weeks.
4. Nothing strenuous for 14 days. This includes sports, aerobics, running, jogging, jumping or over objects.
5. No intercourse for 3 days.
6. Use birth control until your doctor confirms there is no sperm in your semen.
7. You will need to have a semen sample checked at least once or twice after your vasectomy. Please call the Urology Lab at (608) 263-5014 to arrange this.
8. You may collect a semen sample when you arrive at the clinic or bring it with you. If you bring the specimen with you, keep it at room temperature. Please call the urology lab at (608) 263-5014 for detailed instructions.
When to Call Your Doctor
• Excess bleeding (bleeding that soaks a gauze in an hour) or swelling of the scrotum
• Temperature greater than 101°F by mouth
• Skin around the incision is red and hot
• Pus-like drainage from the incision
Phone Number
Urology Clinic: (608) 263-4757. This is a 24 hour number.
After hours, weekends or holidays this connects you to the message center. Ask for the urology doctor on call. Give your name, area code and phone number. The doctor will call you back.
If you live out of the area, please call 1-800-323-8942.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 07/31/2012
Copyright © 03/28/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#4254
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