No-Scalpel Vasectomy: An Illustrated Guide for ... - EngenderHealth

FIGURE 35. Dressing the woundMen who have undergone vasectomy may leave thehealth facility after resting 30 minutes. If sedation hasbeen used, monitor the client’s vital signs every 15minutes after surgery until they are stable.PostoperativeCare andInstructionsExplain to the client in simple language how to carefor the wound, what side effects to expect, what to doif complications occur, where to go for emergencycare, and when and where to return for a follow-upvisit. Tell him that minor pain and bruising are to beexpected and do not require medical attention.Theman should seek medical attention if he has fever, ifblood or pus oozes from the puncture site, or if heexperiences excessive pain or swelling. Give the man abrief, simply written summary of the instructions.It is essential that the client be informed of the lowlikelihood (but the possibility nonetheless) ofvasectomy failure. He may resume normal activities andsexual intercourse with temporary contraceptionwithin two to three days, if he feels comfortable. Theclient or his partners will need to use another methodof contraception during the first 12 weeks followingvasectomy to avoid an unplanned pregnancy. Everyclient should be offered the opportunity to have asemen analysis. Ideally, one or two sperm-free semenspecimens should be obtained from the client aftervasectomy to be reasonably sure that the operation hasbeen a success.52 No-Scalpel Vasectomy: Illustrated Guide EngenderHealth