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Urology Associates of Cape Cod — home

Vasectomy (at Cape Cod Hospital)

UACC vasectomies are performed in two settings: in the office under local anesthesia (no sedation), or at Cape Cod Hospital under sedation, depending on your surgeon. These instructions are for the hospital setting — your confirmation from our office tells you which applies to you.

Important: your printed instructions are specific to you — if anything differs, follow your sheet or call (508) 771-9550, ext. 104.

Prints exactly what's on this page — or choose "Save as PDF" in the print window to keep a copy on your device.

How to prepare

  1. You'll be sedated, so someone must drive you home — a taxi is not acceptable. Without a ride, the procedure is rescheduled.
  2. Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the evening before.
  3. Stop all blood thinners and aspirin products 7 days prior (see the medication list on Preparing for Surgery) — always with your prescribing physician's approval.
  4. The evening before and the morning of the procedure, wash the genital area with antibacterial soap. Don't shave the area yourself — it's done at the hospital, because nicks increase infection risk.
  5. Bring an athletic supporter (or snug underwear) to the hospital. You'll wear it home and for the next 7–14 days whenever you're not in bed.

What to expect afterward

  1. Ice for the first 48 hours — inside the supporter, not directly on skin. Loose pants or sweatpants are the right wardrobe for the day.
  2. Take it easy around the house for 2–3 days. Avoid straining, lifting (especially children), driving, and yard work; no heavy lifting or activity for 7 days.
  3. Drainage of blood or clear/yellow fluid is common for several days. Change the gauze in the supporter once or twice daily; once the incisions are dry, the gauze can go. Any skin sutures dissolve on their own.
  4. You may shower one day after the procedure — dry the area carefully.
  5. Intercourse may resume after 7 days if you're pain-free — but keep using birth control.
  6. You'll receive a collection kit when the procedure is scheduled. The first sperm count is done 12 weeks after the vasectomy; a second follows two weeks later. Birth control must continue until two results are negative — our office calls you with every result.

Call us if…

  • Any symptom after the procedure that concerns you — don't hesitate to call

(508) 771-9550 — after hours, the answering service reaches the physician on call. For emergencies, call 911.