INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE VASECTOMY
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Understand the “Instructions Following Vasectomy” below so that you know what to expect. |
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Please shave the underside of the penis and the front wall of the scrotum, preferably before the day of the procedure. A bit of alcohol is used to clean the skin before use of the jet spray and it can sting slightly right after a fresh shave if the skin is chafed. |
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Use no powder or deodorant in the genital area on the day of your procedure. |
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No need to bring an athletic supporter. One will be provided. |
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Be prepared to sign the operative consent sheet upon your arrival in the office. |
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If possible, arrange to have someone drive you home. If you must drive yourself, a flat tire or fender bender could lead to complications. Plan to do nothing but recline at home (sofa or bed) on the afternoon and evening of the vasectomy. |
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Do not take any aspirin-containing medication for five days before the procedure. |
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If your insurance company requires authorization, be sure to bring it or call our office a day or two before your vasectomy to see whether we have received it. |
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Eat before your procedure, a normal breakfast or lunch. Nervous men who do not eat beforehand are more likely to become lightheaded during or after their vasectomies. |
INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING VASECTOMY
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Spend a quiet evening at home, reclining in bed or on the sofa. Minimize activity. |
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You may take Ibuprofen for any discomfort. Avoid aspirin for 2 days after the vasectomy. |
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No need for ice packs. |
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You may remove the scrotal support and take a daily shower starting the morning after the procedure. Replace the scrotal support and wear it whenever you are up and around for the next 3 days, during sports for the next 7 days. |
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On the day after the procedure, you may walk and drive as usual, but no sports, yard work, swimming, or heavy lifting. Men with non-strenuous jobs may work the next day. |
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Three days after the procedure, you may return to rather strenuous work and regular activities wearing your scrotal support. When you no longer have any pain or tenderness, you may resume aggressive sports like running, basketball, tennis, and soccer, and you may return to the gym. But on the first day back to the gym, do half of your usual workout, that is, half your usual reps with half your usual weight, and half your usual running distance at half your usual speed. If you feel fine that night, resume your usual workout the next day. If a half-workout causes soreness, give it more time. |
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When you no longer have any pain or tenderness, you may ejaculate. I have always recommended waiting at least 2 days, but the American Urological Association Vasectomy Guidelines recommend waiting a week. Waiting until pain and tenderness are gone makes the most sense to me. Blood in the semen for the first few ejaculations is not common, but also no reason for concern. |
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Since no incision is made, a follow-up visit is not required. You will be given Dr. Osman’s home phone and mobile phone numbers and if you have undue discomfort or any concerns, you should call him anytime after your vasectomy. |
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It is normal to have some discoloration of the skin (black and blue) around the puncture site a day or two after the vasectomy. Some men will develop considerable discoloration of the scrotum about 4 days after the vasectomy. Blood from the deep vasectomy site comes to the surface as a purplish-blue mark, gets darker and spreads out like an oil slick, then gradually dissipates. |
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Some men (about one in 20) will develop swelling and discomfort on one side, sometimes on both sides, starting anytime from 3 days to 3 months following vasectomy. This usually represents an exaggerated form of the normal inflammatory response necessary for sperm resorption and recycling. It is effectively managed with a 5-7 day course of ibuprofen 600 mg 3 times per day. |
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Twelve weeks after your vasectomy, have your semen tested to be sure that it no longer contains sperm and that it is thereby safe to stop other forms of contraception. |
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