Pain Management

EXCESSIVE BLEEDING, SWELLING OR PAIN IS NOT NORMAL. IF ANY OCCUR CONTACT THIS SURGERY OR YOUR LOCAL DOCTOR!

If you have discomfort in the first 24-48 hours after the local anaesthetic wears off, rest with your feet up and take mild pain medication containing paracetamol or ibuprofen. You will be given a script for a strong pain reliever in case these are insufficient. Rarely an ache and/or swelling can develop after a few days or even weeks which is usually due to inflammation of the epididymus and testes. This usually responds to anti-inflammatory medications.

Bruising

Bruising of the skin on the scrotum is not a concern as long as it is not associated with scrotal swelling as it reflects only blood just under the skin and will disappear with time.

Bleeding

In the rare case that the wound bleeds, “pinch” over the wound with some gauze for ten minutes, then let go very slowly. Contact the surgery if it continues.

Wound Care

It is advisable to continue to wear supportive underwear for 2 days (place some gauze over the wound till healed).

Washing

You may shower but do not rub soap directly into the scrotum for the next 2 days. Do not have a bath or go swimming for 3 days until the wound heals.

Activity and Sex

Strenuous exercise, prolonged walking, bike riding, climbing and heavy lifting should be avoided for the first two days. Then your level of activity including sex should be guided by your degree of comfort.

Sterility

You are not sterile yet! Sterility takes both time and an adequate number of ejaculations after a vasectomy. Most men have very low or zero sperm counts after about 12-14 ejaculations over about eight to twelve weeks. One in five can take longer, but by 6 months 99% are clear. Your operation cannot be considered successful until a negative count is obtained.

Instructions for collecting samples

You will be given a pathology request slip and a specimen jar at your visit.

Eight weeks after your operation collect a semen specimen by hand massage (masturbation) directly into the jar supplied (do not use a condom). Screw the cap onto the jar firmly and label the jar with your name, time of collection and date. Take to your nearest pathology collection centre.

Please phone 1300 377 647 three days later for the result!