Post - Procedure Guidance

Congratulations on completing your vasectomy. Most patients recover quickly with minimal discomfort, but proper aftercare is essential to ensure healing and long-term success. Please follow the guidance below carefully.

⏱️ 1. Immediately After the Procedure

You may experience mild pain, swelling, or bruising around the scrotum — this is normal.

Tight-fitting underwear should be worn day and night for at least 48 hours to support the area.

Apply a cold pack (over underwear, never directly on skin) for 15–20 minutes every hour during the first 6 hours, then as needed for the next 48 hours.

🛌 2. Rest and Activity

Rest at home for the remainder of the procedure day.

Avoid standing for long periods, driving long distances, or heavy lifting for 2 days.

You may return to desk-based work after 2 days if you feel comfortable.

Avoid strenuous exercise, cycling, running, and sports for 7-10 days.

Reintroduce activity gradually and listen to your body.

💊 3. Pain Relief

Use paracetamol or ibuprofen as needed (always follow the dosing instructions).

Avoid aspirin unless prescribed, as it can increase bleeding risk.

🩹 4. Wound Care

You may notice a small amount of bleeding or oozing from the puncture site — this is normal.

Keep the area clean and dry. You may shower after 24 hours, but avoid soaking in baths for at least 5 days.

Gently pat the area dry after showering.

Wear supportive underwear continuously for the first 48 hours and during the day for a week.

❤️ 5. Sexual Activity

You may resume sexual activity after 7 days, or once you feel comfortable.

Use contraception until cleared — vasectomy does not work immediately.

There is still sperm in your system that needs to be cleared through ejaculation.

🧪 6. Semen Testing at 16 Weeks

To confirm the success of your vasectomy:

• You must produce a semen sample 16 weeks after your procedure, after at least 20 ejaculations.

• You will be provided with clear instructions on how to collect and submit your sample.

• The sample must be produced at home and posted in the mail.

Your test result:

• Will confirm if no sperm are present, or

• If non-motile (dead) sperm are present at low levels (which may still be considered successful), or

• If live sperm are present, in which case a second test may be required.

You are not sterile until we confirm it by written notification. Continue to use contraception until we advise otherwise.

⚠️ 7. When to Contact Us

Please contact the clinic or your GP if you experience any of the following:

• Excessive swelling or bruising.

• Increasing pain after the first few days.

• Discharge or redness at the wound site suggesting infection.

• Fever or feeling unwell.

• A pain developing weeks later.

We are here to support you throughout your recovery.

📄 8. Follow-Up and Results

We aim to contact you within 7–10 working days of your semen test.

If your test shows successful clearance, we will confirm in writing that you no longer need to use contraception.

If another test is needed, we will give you full instructions.

🙋 Questions or Concerns?

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by phone or email. We’re here to make your recovery as smooth and straightforward as possible.

Please contact our team directly at surrey.vasectomy@nhs.net, call us at 01252 835016 or message us on WhatsApp.