Before the Easy VasectomyⓇ :
- Understand the “Post Vasectomy Instructions” so that you know what to expect.
- To prevent the possibility of increased bleeding, do not take aspirin or other blood thinners for 7 days before the procedure.
- Please shave the front wall of scrotum and underside of the penis, then take a good shower before you leave home for vasectomy. You will be asked to refrain from doing so again until 2 days after your procedure.
- Shower and Use no powder or deodorant in the genital area on the day of your procedure.
- Don’t bring an athletic supporter, we provide you a free athletic supporter on the day of the procedure.
- Be prepared to sign the operative consent sheet upon your arrival in the office. Think of any questions you may want to ask your doctor.
- If possible, arrange to have someone drive you home. A flat tire or fender bender could lead to complications, and some men who leave the office feeling great will experience delayed lightheadedness. If you must drive yourself, drive in the right-hand lane so that you can pull over if you begin to feel lightheaded. Plan to do nothing but recline at home (sofa or bed) on the afternoon and evening of the vasectomy.
- Eat before your procedure, a normal breakfast or lunch. Nervous men who do not eat beforehand are more likely to become lightheaded during or after their vasectomies.
1. Antibiotic ointment, gauze and an athletic supporter will be placed over the wound immediately following the procedure. Continue to apply the antibiotic ointment daily until the skin puncture site is completely healed.
2. Once you return home after the surgery. Reclining in bed or on the sofa , Minimizing activity. Read your doctor’s written instructions, No need for ice packs. You may shower and spend more time walking on the second day.
3. The athletic supporter should be worn for at least the first 24 hours or whenever you are up and around for the next 2 days, during sports for the next 7 days. Heavy lifting or vigorous physical activity should be avoided for 1 week.
4. Two days after the procedure, you may return to office work and regular activities. Since no incision is made, a follow-up visit is not required.
5. You may have sexual intercourse 1 week after the procedure. It is uncommon but normal to have some blood in the semen or mild pain for the first few ejaculations.
6. Patients often notice mild scrotal swelling and bruise in the first week following the surgery. The swelling often increases with activity, and may be relieved by wearing the athletic supporter and resting. If the scrotal sac is significantly bruised and expanding in size, please contact the office 952-922-2151.
7. If you experience pain or discomfort, you may take ibuprofen (Advil) 200mg 3 or 4 tablets, 3 times a day with food, and acetaminophen (Tylenol) 2 tablets every 4 hours. If you experience increasing pain, please contact us at 952-922-2151.
8. Infection is very uncommon following the no-scalpel vasectomy procedure. Contact Dr. Shu if you notice excessive redness, tenderness, warmth or drainage from your surgical site.
9. Some men develop a small, tender nodule where the vas was cut. These sperm granulomas can produce discomfort, but almost always resolve spontaneously. You can have the site re-examined if you are concerned.
10. A semen examination should be performed to document the success of the surgery, testing is done in one of two ways:
a. If you live or work close to our clinic, we will provide you with a container and ask you use it to bring a semen sample to the office 12 weeks and 20 ejaculations after your vasectomy. (Number of ejaculations and time are both important, so a semen sample brought in before 12 weeks is less likely to be free of sperm.) If you lose the container that we provide, you may use a small container with a lid, such as a pill bottle, baby food jar, 35 mm film canister, etc. Please do not bring the sample in a condom or baggie as we will be unable to retrieve an adequate specimen and you will be asked to return with another sample in a container with a lid. The sample should be produced on the day of examination, but can be 3 or 4 hours old. You may bring the sample anytime during regular office hours (8:00 – 5:00). If sperm are seen, you will be asked to continue other means of birth control and to return with a second specimen in 3-6 weeks. After twelve weeks and 20 ejaculations (both), 98% of men will have no sperm in their semen. Two percent will have to repeat the test at least once.
b. If you live and work far from our clinic, we will provide you with a mailer so you can send us a semen sample by mail, at least twelve weeks and 20 ejaculations after your vasectomy.
11. Another form of contraception (such as condoms) should be used until you have been notified by us that your 12 week post procedure semen examination showed no sperm.