It is very important to realize you may still have sperm in your semen up to 16 weeks following your vasectomy.
Stage 1
Rest for a day or two (or a week if you have a physically intensive job)
Stage 2
Use ‘over the counter’ painkillers to relieve pain/discomfort. Wearing tight underpants/briefs/athletic support can also help reduce the discomfort.
Stage 3
To reduce the chance of swelling apply cold packs (such as frozen peas) to the scrotum on the outside of your underwear.
Stage 4
Keep the wounds dry for the first 24-48 hours, then you can remove the gauze dressing and shower as usual (avoid baths for the first 7 days).
Stage 5
You may resume more strenuous activity after 1 – 2 weeks, but only as long as that activity does not cause discomfort.
Stage 6
Send a semen sample (from home) to us at week 16 for confirmation that the vasectomy has worked
Normal vs Not Normal
Discomfort shortly after the procedure as the local anaesthetic starts to wear off
Some bruising of the scrotum, which will gradually resolve over the following week
Remember you will still have sperm in your semen for up to 16 weeks after the operation
Blood is sometimes present in the semen for the first few ejaculations.
Wound to be slightly weepy for the first couple of days.
Increased redness
Throbbing pain
High temperature
Excessive wound discharge
Dos & Dont’s
Keep the wound dry for 24-48 hours
Keep your genital area clean and dry to minimise the risk of infection.
Wearing tight underpants/athletic support
Take ‘over the counter’ painkillers
Apply a cold pack to the area for pain relief
Engage in physical exercise in the first 1-2 weeks
Have unprotected sex until receiving your ‘clearance letter’
What should I expect after my vasectomy?
The vasectomy procedure can cause some swelling, bruising and discomfort for a few weeks. It is normal to see blood in your semen for the first few ejaculations after the procedure. However, this will all subside.
As a method of contraception, there should be no ongoing side effects.
Will I require a follow up appointment after my vasectomy?
A follow up appointment is not usually required. If you have any questions after your procedure, you can contact our receptionists and they will arrange a follow up call for you.
However, after 16 weeks, it will be required to send a sample of semen to be tested in the lab to confirm sterility.
When will the vasectomy start to work?
You will need to wait 16 weeks before we can confirm that the method is working. In the meantime, you and your partner(s) will need to use another method of contraception.
It may be necessary to repeat the test if the laboratory cannot confirm the absence of sperm on the first sample. The results will be sent to your GP within 72 working hours of completion of the tests.
How soon after my vasectomy can I have sex (using contraception)?
We recommend waiting 2-7 days before having any sex. However, if you feel that you need a little more time, then please wait until you are comfortable.
How soon after my vasectomy can I have sex (without contraception)?
Until we have confirmed that there is no sperm in your semem (i.e. 16 weeks) we do not recommend having unprotected sex.
Repeat Medications
If you are seeking repeat medications, you can complete the following form to speed up the process.
Follow Up Discussion
If you have any concerns after your procedure, we can arrange a follow up discussion with a clinician without delay.
Further visits
If you require a further visit, this will be discussed with you in the appointment. Please follow the link below to request one.