After the procedure

Here is some important information relating to post-procedure care following your operation.

• Following a local anaesthetic you can leave the clinic after a short rest. You should not drive home, but arrange for someone to collect you, or use a taxi. You are likely to experience some discomfort during the first few days and occasionally some swelling develops. It is sensible to plan to relax at home for a few days before undertaking work or exercise.
• We also advise that you avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting or driving long distances (continuous driving for 2hrs) for 1-2 weeks to minimise swelling and discomfort.
• It is advisable to wear tight fitting underpants (bring with you on the day of the procedure) and continue to wear tight fitting underpants day and night for about 1 week. Following your procedure, the local anaesthetic wears off after about 1-2 hrs.
• Some discomfort or mild pain is normal. It is okay for you take your usual painkillers eg: Paracetamol, Ibuprofen in the normal dosages (these are available from the chemist without prescription). Place an ice pack on the scrotum for 10-15 mins for the first day to reduce swelling and discomfort. Remember to place a tea towel (or similar) between the ice pack and skin.
• Some swelling and bruising of the scrotum and testicles is normal, but if it is severe during the first few hours after the procedure you should contact the doctor who performed the procedure or your own GP.
• Where the tubes have been cauterised and cut some scar tissue will form. This may be felt as a slightly lumpy, sometimes tender area just above the testicle. This is quite normal, but if you do become concerned about any unusual lumps see your GP.
• There are no stitches to remove, there is only a small cut that will heal itself, although may gape open a little after a few days. You need only to seek medical advice if it is persistent, excessively smelly or inflamed.
• After the procedure, care should be taken with bathing for about 2 weeks. Although the procedure area may be slightly bloodstained, it is better not to wash for 24hrs. It is then best not to soak in a bath, but have a shower, letting the water run over the area. If you do not have a shower, then kneel in a bath and sponge water over the area. Do not use excessive soap or shampoos and no talcum powder.
• Sexual intercourse can be resumed when comfortable, usually after 1 week. However, it is essential to continue to USE CONTRACEPTION until there are no more live sperm in the ejaculation. This will be shown by test carried out at 4 months after the procedure.
• Vasectomy has no effect on masculinity or on sexual arousal, performance or orgasm. Sperm continues to be produced by the testicles, but the passage to the penis is blocked so they are reabsorbed into the body. It can be reassuring to know that many people who have had a vasectomy say their sex life has improved because the fear of pregnancy has been removed.
• Important complications that you should be aware of includes: Infection, excessive bruising (both common to any procedure, but rare for SFV) and can delay the healing process. Some men develop a chronic testicular pain syndrome, sometimes years later.
• It is important that you must continue to take precautions against pregnancy until you have been given the all clear following the semen ​tests.