Pre- And Post- Operative Care for Vasectomy
Important considerations before having a vasectomy
Is A Vasectomy Right for You?
A vasectomy is a permanent form of contraception, making it an ideal choice for men who are certain they do not want to father children in the future.
A Vasectomy May Be Right for You If:
✔ You are 100% sure you do not want to father another child under any circumstances.
✔ You and your partner want to enjoy sex without the worry of pregnancy.
✔ You want to avoid the risks of tubal ligation for your partner, as it is a more invasive procedure with a higher failure rate than a vasectomy.
A Vasectomy May NOT Be Right for You If:
❌ You are very young and unsure about future family plans.
❌ Your current relationship is unstable or may change in the future.
❌ You are having the procedure solely to please your partner rather than for your own reasons.
❌ You are counting on a future vasectomy reversal – while possible, reversal is a complex surgery with only around a 70% success rate, depending on how long ago the vasectomy was performed.
❌ You are unsure about permanent sterility and may want to keep the option of having children open.
💡 Important: Dr. Stearn does not perform vasectomy reversals.
Is It the Right Time For A Vasectomy?
Before making your decision, it’s crucial to be certain that you are happy with the number of children you have. We recommend waiting until your youngest child is at least six months old before considering a vasectomy.
Should I Store Sperm?
Since vasectomy is intended to be permanent, some men choose to store sperm as a precaution. Reasons for later regret may include:
Loss of a spouse or child
Divorce or separation
Simply changing your mind
However, storing sperm is not a guaranteed solution.
Cryogenic sperm storage is an option, but success with medical insemination is not guaranteed.
The process of using stored sperm can be costly and complex.
If you are hesitant about permanent sterility, you should reconsider having a vasectomy.
*Please find a list of reputable sperm storage facilities in Canada at the bottom of this page
Instructions Before Your Vasectomy
You will have a consultation appointment in our clinic with Dr Stearn prior to your surgery. Your vasectomy surgery will be booked at this appointment.
The week before your vasectomy
Please do not take any aspirin or any other anti-inflammatory medication starting seven days prior to your vasectomy. You will also need to entirely avoid Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, such as Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, Advil, Naproxen, Diclofenac, and others, starting seven days prior to your procedure. These medications thin the blood, and thereby increase the risk of bleeding. You may still take other pain relief medication, such as Tylenol.
Two days before your vasectomy
Please avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before and after the surgery.
Wash and then shave your scrotum two nights before your surgery. We recommend shaving then instead of the night before so that any discomfort due to shaving will have passed before you come into the clinic for your vasectomy procedure.
IMPORTANT: Shaving Before Your Vasectomy
For our much improved visibility and for hygienic reasons (keeping hair out of the surgical area), we recommend that you shave two days prior to your vasectomy, from the base of the penis and along front and sides of your scrotum. Avoid dry shaving, and instead do it while showering.
The day of your vasectomy
Please wear supportive underwear to your vasectomy appointment, and avoid wearing boxer shorts, as they do not provide the necessary support. Wear comfortable clothing, and choose pants that you won’t mind getting iodine on after the procedure. We recommend that you wear a T-shirt, as the procedure room can get warm. The heat of the procedure room relaxes the scrotum, thereby making the procedure easier to perform. Remember to eat a good breakfast before the procedure, and minimize coffee or caffeine intake. Plan to arrive at the clinic 15 minutes prior to your appointment time.
Instructions After Your Vasectomy
The First 48 Hours After Your Vasectomy
After your vasectomy, rest is essential for a smooth recovery. Plan to go home and take it easy for the rest of the day and evening. For the first two days, minimize activity as much as possible—think of it as a great excuse to be a couch potato!
Pain Management
✔ Pain levels vary – Some men feel no pain at all, while others experience mild aching in the groin or lower abdomen. This occurs because the testes share nerve connections with the abdomen from fetal development.
✔ If needed, take 2 tablets of extra-strength Tylenol (acetaminophen) every 6 hours.
❌ Avoid Aspirin, Advil (ibuprofen), or other NSAIDs for the first 24 hours, as these can increase the risk of bleeding.
Other Post-Vasectomy Precautions
✔ Avoid alcohol for the first 24 hours.
✔ Rest and avoid strenuous activity for the first 48 hours.
When Can You Return to Work?
Your recovery time depends on the nature of your job:
Sedentary office job (desk work) → You may return the next day, but stay seated as much as possible for the first week.
Office job that requires walking/standing → It’s best to stay home for a full week before returning.
Physical jobs (construction, police officer, EMT, firefighter, professional athlete) → Stay home for at least one week to prevent strain on the healing site.
Taking the time to rest properly will ensure a smooth recovery and minimize complications.
The First Week After Your Vasectomy
For a smooth recovery, avoid any strain or heavy activity for at least one week after your vasectomy. This will help prevent complications and allow proper healing.
Activity Restrictions
❌ No lifting over 15 pounds for one week.
❌ No sex or ejaculation for one week.
✔ Light blood in semen is normal for the first few ejaculations—this is not a cause for concern.
Hygiene and Wound Care
✔ You may take a gentle shower the morning after your vasectomy.
❌ Avoid baths and hot tubs – keep the area clean and dry apart from your showers.
✔ Wear supportive underwear for the entire week to minimize movement and discomfort.
What’s Normal?
✔ Some skin discoloration (blue/black bruising) near the puncture site—this will fade in a few days.
✔ A small lump on each side of the scrotum – this is scar tissue where the vas deferens was cut and sealed. It may feel like a pea-sized knot and can swell to the size of a marble before gradually shrinking and becoming non-tender.
When to Call Dr. Stearn
🚨 Ongoing bleeding that doesn’t stop.
🚨 Fever, increasing redness, or unusual discharge from the scrotum.
Returning to Normal Activities
✔ Stay off your feet as much as possible for the entire first week.
✔ No exertion, exercise, extensive walking, climbing, jogging, or sports for one week.
✔ After one week, you may resume normal daily activities, but avoid strenuous exercise for an additional week.
Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth recovery with minimal discomfort.
The Second Week After Your Vasectomy
While your initial recovery is mostly complete, it’s important to continue avoiding unnecessary strain for another week to ensure proper healing.
Activity Restrictions
🚫 No strenuous exertion, exercise, extensive walking, climbing, jogging, or sports for a second week.
⚠️ Excessive straining during this time may increase the risk of discomfort or complications.
Healing Timeline
✔ Full recovery takes time – While most men feel fine after the first week, keep in mind that surgical healing can take up to three months.
✔ Listen to your body – If you experience discomfort or swelling, scale back your activity level and give yourself more time to rest.
By taking these precautions, you’re ensuring a smoother recovery and long-term success of your vasectomy.
Post- Vasectomy Semen Testing
Confirming Vasectomy Effectiveness
You will NOT be sterile immediately after your vasectomy. Until your semen analysis confirms zero sperm, you must use temporary birth control (e.g., condoms) to prevent pregnancy.
When to Test Your Semen
✔ A semen analysis is required at least 3 months post-vasectomy AND after 20–25 ejaculations.
✔ Even though the risk of sperm passing through is extremely low, failure is still possible.
✔ Our vasectomy technique has an outstanding success rate, but testing is essential to confirm sterility.
Post-Vasectomy Semen Analysis Instructions
Before Collecting Your Sample
✔ Abstain from ejaculation for at least two days before collection.
Collecting the Sample
✔ Masturbate directly into a sealed, sterile specimen container.
❌ If any semen is lost, discard the sample and try again later.
✔ If you misplace your container, ask for a urine analysis container at your local pharmacy or lab. Do not use any other type of container.
Labeling and Transporting the Sample
✔ Close the container tightly and label it with:
First and last name
Date of birth
Date and time of collection
✔ Deliver the sample to the lab immediately (within 1 hour).
✔ Keep the container warm (e.g., in your pocket or next to your body) while transporting it.
Final Step: Confirming Your Results
Only once your semen analysis confirms zero sperm can you stop using birth control. If sperm are still detected, you may need to repeat the test until sterility is confirmed.
If you're considering sperm storage in Canada, here are several reputable facilities that offer cryogenic services:
Hamilton, ON
Provides comprehensive cryogenic storage services, including sperm banking, with a focus on safe and reliable transport across Canada and abroad.
Toronto, ON
Offers sperm banking services for fertility preservation, utilizing advanced technologies and providing thorough guidance throughout the process.
Toronto, ON
Canada's premier sperm bank since 1991, offering a diverse selection of sperm donors to match various family planning needs.
Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM)
Vancouver, BC
Provides sperm freezing services with advanced technologies and stringent security measures to ensure the safety and quality of stored samples.
Toronto, ON
Offers a range of fertility preservation services, including sperm freezing, with a focus on accommodating patients with urgent medical needs.
Calgary, AB
Provides donor sperm services and is licensed by Health Canada to perform donor sperm procedures, ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
It's important to consult with these facilities directly to understand their specific services, storage options, and associated costs. Discussing your plans with a healthcare professional can also provide personalized guidance tailored to your needs.