After the vasectomy you should rest for 48 hours, even if you don't feel like you need to. Most men can return to work by the second or third day after the procedure. If your work involves heavy labor you should take up to a week off, but if you do light work you can get away with just a few days off. After the procedure there may be some soreness, and some men take a mild painkiller. Others report that they experience virtually no pain afterwards.

All men should follow these instructions for the first week after the procedure:

• Take the medication in your Pollock pack as ordered.
• Stay off your feet as much as you can for the first two days.
• Use an ice pack on your scrotum for 20 minutes every hour (except when you're sleeping) for the first two to three days after your vasectomy. You should repeat the icing as often as you can in the first week. You can make your own ice pack by putting ice in a plastic bag and wrapping it in a dish towel, or use a bag of frozen peas. Gel packs also work well.
• Do not strain yourself. Do not have sex or lift anything heavier than 10 pounds.
• Keep the incision clean and dry, although it is acceptable to take a gentle shower after your surgery.
• Wear your scrotal support for the entire week unless doing so causes you discomfort
• Leave some clean gauze with antibiotic ointment applied at the opening in the scrotum for a day or two. It is possible that this practice may further reduce post-operative infection rates.
• Call Dr. Pollock if you notice ongoing bleeding or a swelling bigger than a marble around the opening or in the scrotum.
• Call Dr. Pollock if you get a fever, your scrotum gets very red or you notice any unusual discharge.

After the procedure, Dr. Pollock is available on his cell phone at: 604-644-5775 for your concerns should any arise.