What is a Vasectomy?

A vasectomy is an operation that makes a man sterile (unable to father a child). It is a form of birth control. Your doctor will talk about the operation with you and tell you about the risks involved. After you understand the risks and benefits of the operation, you will be asked to sign a consent form.

What will happen during a vasectomy?

You will be given numbing medicine that will keep you from feeling pain during the operation. A small incision will be made on both sides of the scrotum. The (2) vasdeferens (tubes that carries the sperm) will be found and a section will be removed from each side. You will not have any stitches. A small dressing and scrotal support will be applied. You will be able to leave the hospital shortly after the operation.

How do I take care of myself after the operation?

• You must have a friend or relative pick you up and take you home.
• You may have some mild discomfort. You may take regular or Extra-Strength Tylenol™ (acetaminophen, 500 mg). If you need a stronger pain medicine call your care provider.
• At home, take it easy for a few days. Staying off your feet with your legs elevated will help reduce swelling. You may put an ice pack, wrapped in a small towel, on the scrotum for 15 to 20 minutes, 4 times a day to help decrease pain and swelling. •You may take a shower after 24 hours.
• Wear a jock strap (scrotal support) until your follow-up appointment.
• Do not lift anything heavier than a phone book for 5 to 10 days, or anything greater than 20 pounds for 2 weeks.
• You can begin to have protected sex (using a condom or other method of birth control) after 14days. Your semen will be tested to see if there are still live sperm in it. You will need to use another kind of birth control until your two semen tests show that there are no more sperm.
• Bring a semen sample to the hospital lab 6 weeks after surgery and again at 12 weeks after surgery. When you have two negative semen tests, you may have unprotected sex with your partner. You will get instructions about this at your follow-up visit.
  

Remember that a vasectomy does NOT protect you or your partner from sexually transmitted diseases!

What are some important symptoms to be aware of?

Common Symptoms

• Bruised, tender and slightly swollen scrotum
• A small amount of bloody drainage from the incision sites for about 1 week
• Mild discomfort
  

Serious Symptoms (Get Medical Help)

• A large black and blue scrotum.
• Yellow or green drainage from the incision site.
• Bleeding that does not stop.
• Chills, fever over 100 degrees F.
• Severe pain that does not go away after taking medicine.