Keep the incision(s) dry until the next day; then you may shower. Keep clean gauze over the area for 3-days.
 

Some bruising, drainage, and swelling are not unusual. The scrotum and penis may turn “black and blue.” The edges of the incision may pull apart, and may heal rather slowly. A “knot” may be present on each side for several months. This is part of the normal healing process.
 

Please return directly to your home, and take it easy for at least 12-hours. Put your feet up. An ice bag on the scrotum may help to prevent swelling. The day after surgery, you may walk and shower. You may increase your activity on the 3^rd day, but vigorous exercise (jogging, basketball, etc.) is not advised.
 

If you have discomfort, try Ibuprofen (Advil) 2 or 4 of the 200 mg ibuprofen (Advil) tablets every 6-hours. If this doesn’t work, use the prescription strength pain medicine given to you after the vasectomy.
 

Wear tight underwear or an athletic supporter for increased support and comfort during the next week.
 

No heavy lifting or very strenuous activity for 10-days.
 

If there is bleeding or severe pain, or if you develop a fever, call us immediately.
 

It is recommended that you refrain from having sexual intercourse and ejaculation for 1-week.
This is to permit the cut ends of the vas deferens to close before pressure is put on them.
 

Do not be surprised if your ejaculate contains some blood.
It is usually old blood, and nothing to worry about.
 

You will NOT be sterile for some time after the operation because the reservoirs may still contain live sperm. Continue to use another method of birth control until you have had a sperm count, and have received a statement that sperm are no longer present in the semen.
 

At 3-months (after 12-weeks and at least 15-ejaculations), bring in a semen specimen to the doctor’s office or to the lab as directed. Collect it in a clean, small jar, medicine vial, or in a container the doctor provides. To collect the semen, have intercourse and withdraw prior to ejaculation, or stimulate yourself. Take the specimen to the doctor’s office within 2-hours of collection.
For further information and articles about how long it will normally take for the vas deferens to clear sperm, see http://www.lockefamilymedicine.com/Vasectomy/PostVasectomyClearanceTime.htm
 

If you have any concerns about any possible complications or any other questions, please call at once for advice.
 

Remember: Use another form of contraception until you have had you semen checks and your doctor gives the okay that you do not need to use other contraception.