Procedures
Post Vasectomy Spermogram – Recommendations after a vasectomy
The first day
We also recommend that you take Tylenol regularly, every 4 hours, for the first day. Avoid Advil brand medication or other anti-inflammatory medications that can increase the risk of swelling.
After 24 hours
A shower is permitted after 24 hours.
After 48 hours
Dr. Marois recommends that you treat the affected region over the first 48 hours with ice, gel or a bag of frozen peas at 15-minute intervals. This will reduce post-operative swelling and discomfort over the following days.
The week after the operation
Avoid any physical exertion, sexual activity or sports during the first week. Afterwards, you will be able to resume normal physical and sexual activities. You must continue using contraception until sterility is confirmed.
Most men having undergone vasectomy will be sterile at the first spermogram (that is “sperm test”). Sometimes, more than one test is required to reach sterility. After a week, it is also recommended to begin to be more sexually active and to continue for the next three months. Ideally, a total of 20 to 40 ejaculations helps improving the chances of being sterile at the initial spermogram.
Most men having undergone vasectomy will be sterile at the first spermogram (that is “sperm test”). Sometimes, more than one test is required to reach sterility. After a week, it is also recommended to begin to be more sexually active and to continue for the next three months. Ideally, a total of 20 to 40 ejaculations helps improving the chances of being sterile at the initial spermogram.
After three to four months
The spermogram analysis is done 3 or 4 months after vasectomy. Sampling must be performed at home by masturbating into a sterile container (available in our clinics or in pharmacies/CLSC). This container must directly collect all sperm emitted from ejaculation. It is important that a 3 day abstinence period be respected before the sample is collected. The specimen must be complete. Even the loss of only a few drops must be reported.
Ideally, the time between sample collection and the arrival to the laboratory should not exceed one hour. You must keep the sample at body temperature in your shirt or pants pocket.
You can also go to a hospital of your choice or in a private laboratory.
You will receive written confirmation by e-mail about your results and what activities to do, if necessary. You can also call the secretary to confirm your sterility. This may take from 2 to 4 weeks if the semen analysis is performed in a hospital setting, since it is constructed in microscopy.
For patients who wish to do it in private laboratory, we offer the NASCI test in collaboration with laboratory Biron. The sample can be left in any Biron by appointment. It is the only post vasectomy semen analysis performed by flow cystometry. It is more reliable and less subjective to eliminate the presence of sperm. There is less likelihood of repeating a second sperm test three months later. It is less restrictive for patients. The result is also fast, about one week.
Ideally, the time between sample collection and the arrival to the laboratory should not exceed one hour. You must keep the sample at body temperature in your shirt or pants pocket.
You can also go to a hospital of your choice or in a private laboratory.
You will receive written confirmation by e-mail about your results and what activities to do, if necessary. You can also call the secretary to confirm your sterility. This may take from 2 to 4 weeks if the semen analysis is performed in a hospital setting, since it is constructed in microscopy.
For patients who wish to do it in private laboratory, we offer the NASCI test in collaboration with laboratory Biron. The sample can be left in any Biron by appointment. It is the only post vasectomy semen analysis performed by flow cystometry. It is more reliable and less subjective to eliminate the presence of sperm. There is less likelihood of repeating a second sperm test three months later. It is less restrictive for patients. The result is also fast, about one week.
What should I do if I still have not received my results?
You should receive a written confirmation of your results with the appropriate course of action, as necessary. If after two weeks you have not had nay news, call the secretary to confirm your test results.
What should I do if the result is uncertain?
If the results are inconclusive, you will have to undergo a second spermogram in another 3 months.
What should I do if there is a complication and your office is closed?
If any complication or problem occurs outside our business hours, or if you are not able to join a secretary or a nurse, please go to Verdun Hospital Emergency. The emergency physician will try to join Dr. Marois to get his report. Dr. Marois will then be able to give his recommendations over the telephone.