Patient Advice Following a Vasectomy

A vasectomy involves cutting the two tubes (vas deferens) that carry sperm from your testicles to your penis.

Pain

The surrounding area is normally numbed with local anaesthetic. The numbness usually wears off within four to eight hours. You may experience some discomfort at this time. You should take some pain relief as necessary. Follow the instructions on the packet and do not exceed the recommended daily dose. You may find ice packs helpful to reduce pain and swelling in the first few days after surgery (but do not apply them directly to your skin).

Wound/stitches

It is advisable to keep the wound clean and dry for the first 48 hours, to promote healing and to minimise the risk of infection. There may be some mild bruising and scrotal swelling with seepage of yellow fluid from the wound for the first few days. The wound should be kept covered, if applicable, until healed. Appropriate dressings will be given to you as necessary.

Observe the wound for signs of inflammation, swelling, redness or discharge. If you have any concerns, please contact your GP for advice.

After 48 hours, you can wash or shower as usual but avoid soaking the wound in water for long periods. To minimise the risk of irritation to the wound, avoid the use of strong- scented soaps and talcum powder. The area must also be dried gently but thoroughly.

The wound will be closed with stitches that do not need to be removed. They will dissolve within the next 10-21 days.

Sex and contraception

You may have blood in your semen the first few times you ejaculate. This should not affect your sex drive or ability to enjoy sex. You will still have erections and produce the same amount of fluid when you ejaculate. The only difference is that the fluid will not contain sperm. Your body will still produce sperm, but they cannot travel out through your penis and are naturally reabsorbed by your body.

However, it is very important that you use another form of contraception until the live sperm that remain in the tubes have gone. You will need to provide semen tests to ensure that your tubes are clear of sperm. The first semen sample will be due 12 weeks following surgery

When tests show that your semen is clear of sperm, you will no longer need to use other methods of contraception.

It is important to note that a vasectomy does not protect you from getting sexually transmitted diseases. ‘Safer sex’ methods should always involve using a condom.

You may resume sexual intercourse when your urine is clear and you feel comfortable to do so.

General advice

It is normal to feel tired following a general anaesthetic. Take it easy for the first couple of days.

Please avoid intense sport of lifting anything heavy for up to two weeks.

Your own circumstances will determine when you return to work. You can self-certificate for one week. Contact your GP for a fit-note if further time off is required.

You must not drive for the first 24 hours following sedation or a general anaesthetic. This is a requirement of the Road Traffic Act.

Contact numbers

We hope that you have found this information useful. If you have any questions or are worried about anything, please speak to:

Your GP or out of hours GP
NHS Direct: 111
Dorchester Day Surgery Unit: 01305 254501 (day of procedure only)
Lulworth Ward after 7pm/8pm: 01305 255471
Abbotsbury Ward after 7pm/8pm: 01305 255150
Urology Nurse Specialist: 01305 255415

For non-urgent queries, please contact the urology secretaries via switchboard or on 01305 255468.

About this leaflet

Author: Laura Gower, Staff Nurse
Written: March 2014
Updated and approved: Kayleigh Fairchild, Deputy Sister April 2026
Review date: April 2029
Edition: v2

If you have feedback regarding the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet, or if you would like a list of references used to develop this leaflet, please email patientinformation.leaflets@dchft.nhs.uk