Vasectomy - post-operative instructions

Did you know...?

Most men have very little trouble after their vasectomy. We suggest that you:

Take things easy for the next 48 hours. There is no need to retire to bed, but too much activity delays healing of the wound area and may cause complications. We advise to avoid sexual intercourse, driving or exercise during this period.
The wearing of supportive underpants (not boxer shorts) is recommended for one week, during the day and also at night.
Avoid lifting anything heavier than 10kg and avoid vigorous exercise for the first 2 weeks.
There is usually a little pain after the operation and it is best to try to remain pain free by taking simple analgesia. We recommend you take regular paracetamol four times a day for the first 48 hours as long as there are no contraindications to taking this. Other over the counter NSAIDS such as Ibuprofen can be added if needed. Please note that you will not be given any pain relief medication to take home with you, you must buy your own.
You can shower after 24 hours being careful of the wound(s). Avoid washing in a bath, swimming or using a hot tub until the wound(s) are fully healed. This can take a few days.
Should you experience any problems in the first 4 weeks after your operation, please contact the Sexual Health Service direct, particularly if you think you have a wound infection (for example, wound is increasingly painful, oozing pus). We will be able to advise accordingly. Please contact your GP if you have any problems after the first 4 weeks.
Should a problem occur outside of our opening hours please contact your GP, NHS 111, pharmacy services or in the case of an emergency A&E.
If you are treated for a post-operative infection by a service other than ourselves, please contact us in order for us to update your records.

How do I know if the surgery has worked?

You are not sterile immediately after your vasectomy.

A semen sample is required at least 16 weeks after your surgery for us to check if the surgery has worked or not.

It is essential that you understand you are not sterile immediately after the operation. This is because some sperms have already passed beyond the site where the tubes are cut. These sperms need to be cleared by normal ejaculation.

Sperm will be present in your semen for some weeks after the operation. You must still use contraception (eg. condoms) during this time. Continued ejaculation is important to flush out all remaining sperm; usually at least 30 ejaculations are necessary to flush out all of the left-over sperm.

It is vital that you provide a semen sample (in the pot provided) at least 16 weeks after your surgery. This is the only way to know whether your vasectomy has been successful.

You will receive a maximum of two text message reminders that the semen sample is due, at 16 weeks and if necessary again at 20 weeks post procedure. We will not remind you again after these two texts. It is your responsibility to provide semen sample(s) as explained, when required.

Sometimes, more sperm samples are required. If this is the case, we will contact you.

It is essential that you continue to use contraception until you have been told that your semen sample shows that the vasectomy has been successful.

How do I collect my semen sample?

At least 16 weeks after your surgery, you must provide a semen sample in the pot provided.

You should have been given a pot and a paper form. You must use the pot provided. If you have not got the semen pot or laboratory forms or they are damaged or lost, please obtain further supplies by telephoning 01709 427777.

You should have ejaculated at least 30 times in the weeks after your surgery before doing your semen sample. This is to ensure that all of the old sperm has been flushed away.
You should produce your semen sample at least 16 weeks after your vasectomy.
You should not have ejaculated for at least three days before collecting your sample (and no more than seven days).
You should produce your sample by masturbation (by hand) into the plastic pot provided. Do not use a condom to collect the sample, and do not use lubricants as they may affect the sample quality.
You must collect the whole sample.
Screw the lid back on very tightly, to prevent leakage.

How soon do the samples need to reach the hospital?

The specimen must be brought to the hospital within one hour of production. Take your sample pot immediately to the Pathology Laboratory, Level A, Rotherham Hospital, Moorgate Road, Rotherham (within 1 hour of semen collection). Make sure that you get your sample to the laboratory reception desk between 9am and 1pm on any weekday (except weekends and Bank Holidays).
During the journey, it should be kept warm (at body temperature) in an inside pocket. Excessive heating or chilling will affect the quality of the sample and give inaccurate results.

How will I know the results of my semen sample?

The results will normally go back to the surgeon for review.

They will send you a letter or text informing you of your results directly. You will need to know the results before you can tell whether your vasectomy has been successful in making you sterile.

When can I stop using contraception?

Continue using another method of contraception until you receive confirmation your surgery has been successful. You will be notified by letter/text.

It is your responsibility to provide semen samples as explained, when required. If you do not provide the necessary semen samples, you will not know if the vasectomy has been successful.

Please contact us on telephone 01709 427777 if you have provided a sample but you haven’t heard from us about the result.

How to contact us

Sexual Health Services

Rotherham Hospital
Moorgate Road
Rotherham
S60 2UD

Telephone: 01709 427777