Vasectomy

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A vasectomy (vah-sek-tuh-mee) is surgery to cut the vas (vaz) deferens. The vas deferens are also called the "vaz." They are the 2 tubes that carry sperm. When cut, the vaz cannot carry sperm into the semen. A vasectomy makes a man unable to get a woman pregnant. It is also called "being sterilized" (stair-uh-lized).
  
  
• After the vasectomy, you will not be sterile right away. This is because there are sperm still in the tube where the vaz was cut and blocked. You will need to use birth control for 4 to 6 weeks after your vasectomy.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

• Medicines:
  
  
  • Always take your medicine as directed by your caregiver. If you feel it is not helping, call your caregiver. Do not quit taking it unless your caregiver tells you to.
    
    
  • Keep track of what medicines you are taking and when you take them. Bring a list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregiver(s). Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicines.
    
    
  • If you are taking antibiotics (an-ti-bi-ah-tiks), take them until they are all gone even if you feel better.
    
    
  • If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.
  
  
• Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.
  
  
• After the vasectomy, you may have no feeling in your scrotum for 6 to 8 hours. This is because of the numbing medicine. The scrotum is the bag of skin that holds the testicles and is near the penis. Your scrotum and the area around it may look bruised. This should go away within a week.
  
  
• Ask your caregiver how long you should wear a jockstrap. This will decrease your pain and protect the bandages.
  
  
• Lie on your back as much as possible for 8 hours after your vasectomy. With the jock strap on, raise your scrotum by putting a rolled-up washcloth under it.
  
  
• To lessen pain or swelling use ice right after the injury and for 24 to 48 hours afterwards. Put the ice in a plastic bag and cover it with a towel. Place this over the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes out of every hour as long as you need it. Do not sleep on the ice pack because you could get frostbite.
  
  
• Keep the stitches clean and dry for 24 hours.
  
  
• Ask your caregiver when to take off your bandages. You do not have to put another bandage on the stitches.
  
  
• When you are allowed to bathe or shower, carefully wash the stitches/staples with soap and water. Afterwards put on a clean, new bandage. Or, change your bandage any time it gets wet or dirty. If you cannot reach the bandage, ask someone else to help you change it.
  
  
• Avoid lifting heavy objects.
  
  
• Ask caregivers when you can begin driving a car again.
  
  
• Ask your caregiver when you can return to work or school.
  
  
• Ask your caregivers when you may have sex.
  
  
• When you are sexually turned on, you may have mild pain in your scrotum. This may last for a few months after your surgery. Talk to your caregiver if you have questions or concerns.
  
  
• Use birth control until your caregiver tells you that your semen is clear of sperm. It may take 4 to 6 weeks or 15 to 20 ejaculations to be sperm-free. Ask your caregiver about what birth control is best for you.
  
  
• You will need to bring a sample of your semen to your caregiver. Ask him when you need to do this. There are several ways to collect a specimen. Talk to your caregiver about what might work best for you.
  
  
  • To get a semen sample:
    
    
    • Your caregiver will give you specific written instructions of what he wants you to do. Follow them closely to get the best results.
      
      
    • Masturbate into the large mouth plastic container given to you by your caregiver. Carefully put the sample cup in a plastic bag. Put the sample in your jacket pocket to keep it body temperature, or in a brown bag if it is very warm. Your caregiver will tell you how quickly, and where to take the sample.
      
      
    • You may get a semen sample wearing a condom (rubber) during sex. You may also masturbate while wearing a condom. Your caregiver will give you a special condom to use. Do not use a condom that has sperm-killing medicine in it. Carefully take off the condom after you ejaculate and put it in the plastic container you were given. Put the sample in your jacket pocket to keep it body temperature or in a brown bag if it is very warm. Your caregiver will tell you how quickly, and where to take the sample.
    
    
  
  
• If you smoke, you should quit. It harms the heart, lungs, and the blood. You are more likely to have a heart attack, lung disease, and cancer if you smoke. If you are having trouble quitting, talk to your caregiver about ways to quit.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your stitches are swollen, red, or have pus coming from them. This may mean that they are infected.
  
  
• Your stitches come apart.
  
  
• Your scrotum is very swollen and tender and is not getting better.
  
  
• Your bandages become soaked with blood.
  
  
• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your vasectomy or medicine.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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