VASECTOMY

DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE

What is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure in which the tubes which carry sperm from the testicles are cut and tied off. The procedure involves two incisions in the scrotum, each approximately 1/4" long. This procedure is done with a local anesthetic such as your dentist may use.

Is there considerable pain after a vasectomy?
There is generally a small amount of tenderness and swelling immediately following the procedure, however, this minor discomfort is usually relieved with over the counter pain relievers.

How safe is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is considered to be one of the most effective and one of the safest forms of birth control available today.

What are the possible complications of a vasectomy?
Occasionally bleeding and infection may occur causing some discomfort. Medical literature has reported the vas, the tube that is cut, can grow back together again. This is exceptionally rare.

Where will the vasectomy be performed?
This procedure is performed in our office and usually takes about 20 minutes. Patients are usually able to drive themselves home.

How will this affect our sex life?
A vasectomy should not affect your sex life. There should be no change in sensation or performance. We recommend that the patient refrain from sex for one week after a vasectomy. After this period of abstinence, normal sexual relations may be resumed. To insure the effectiveness of a vasectomy, another form of contraceptive must be used for at least 12 weeks. This allows time for the sperm already in the tubes to be evacuated. At the end of week 12 and 16, a sperm specimen should be checked with the aid of a microscope. This is to determine that no sperm are present and that the vasectomy can be used as the sole form of contraception.

Is a vasectomy reversible?
The vasectomy should be considered an irreversible operation. Operations are available which can reverse a vasectomy; however, the results of these operations in general are poor. Therefore, a vasectomy should be considered only if you are certain in your mind that you will not want any more children in the future.

How long will I be off from work after a vasectomy?
We generally ask that on the day of the vasectomy you stay at home and avoid any exercise. On the following day you may resume light activities. No heavy activities, including sports, should be done for 7-10 days.

Is there any preparation?
Yes! You must be off of any blood thinners for one week before the procedure. This includes aspirin products. Tylenol is safe to take.

POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

DIET:
You may return to your normal diet as soon as you arrive home.

ACTIVITY:
Your physical activity should be restricted the first forty-eight hours. During that time you should remain relatively inactive, moving about only when necessary. During the first 7 days following surgery you should avoid lifting any heavy objects (anything greater than fifteen pounds), and avoid strenuous exercise. If you work, ask us specifically about your restrictions, both for home and work. We will write a note to your employer if needed.

You should plan to wear a tight pair of jockey shorts or an athletic support for the first 4-5 days, even to sleep. This will keep the scrotum immobilized to some degree and keep the swelling down.

Ice packs should be placed over the scrotum for the first 48 hours, on and off. Frozen peas or corn in a ZipLoc bag can be frozen, used and re-frozen. 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off is a reasonable schedule. The ice is a good pain reliever and keeps the swelling down.

WOUND:
In most cases your incision will have no sutures and the wound will seal in 1 or 2 days. Some patients will have absorbable sutures that will dissolve within the first 10-20 days. In either case you can shower safely within 48 hours. If there is generalized redness, especially with increasing pain or swelling, let us know. The scrotum will possibly get 'black and blue' as blood in the tissues spread. Sometimes the whole scrotum will turn colors. The black and blue is followed by a yellow and brown color. In time, all this coloration will go away.

HYGIENE:
You may shower 48 hours after surgery. Tub bathing should be restricted until the 7th day.

MEDICATION:
You may take Tylenol (acetaminophen) for pain. It is the safest of all the pain relievers, in that it causes no bleeding. Aspirin is to be avoided. Advil (ibuprofen) has some aspirin like effects but is a stronger pain reliever that can be used if the Tylenol is not working.

PROBLEMS YOU SHOULD REPORT TO US:
a. Fever or 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
b. Moderate or severe swelling under the skin incision or involving the scrotum.
c. Drug reactions such as hives, a rash, nausea or vomiting.

FOLLOW-UP:
It is very important that you follow up after your vasectomy. You will be given a post-op appointment a week or two after your procedure. At this time your incisions will be checked and you will given two specimen cups to check sperm counts post-op. Even though you may resume sexual intercourse a few days after the procedure (when the tenderness is gone) YOU ARE NOT STERILE immediately after the procedure. It takes 15- 20 ejaculations to clear all the sperm from the vas. For this reason, it is important that you use the specimen cups to take two samples to the lab a few months after the procedure. Until such time as both of the samples show no sperm, you are not considered sterile and need to continue to use protected intercourse until the sperm counts are checked.