Continue to use some other method of birth control until you have had your semen analyzed twice (approximately 6 and 10 weeks after the no-scalpel vasectomy) and have been told that it contains no sperm.

1. If you have had IV sedation, begin with clear liquids. Avoid any heavy meals on the day of the procedure. Depending on how you feel the following day, you may resume the diet you normally follow.

2. Do not drive a car or operate machinery for 24 hours after sedation.

3. Do not consume alcohol, tranquilizers, or sleeping medication for 24 hours after sedation or if taking a pain medication.

4. Do not make important decisions or sign any important papers in the next 24 hours after sedation.

5. You should avoid any strenuous activity for one to two weeks. This includes activity such as golf, tennis, cutting the grass, stretching exercises, and so forth. You should avoid lifting anything over 20 pounds for the next week.

6. You will feel more comfortable if you put ice on the incision for the first four to six hours after surgery.

7. The scrotal supporter and dressing can be removed the day after your surgery. A shower may be taken at that time. It is not necessary to cover the puncture site after that. If there is drainage from the puncture site, you can put gauze over it. You can wear either a scrotal support or a snug pair of underpants to provide good support to the scrotum.

8. You will feel better if you take two Tylenol (regular or extra-strength) every three hours by the clock while awake for the first three days. You will get a prescription for pain pills. You can use the prescription pain pills in addition to the every 3-hour Tylenol. You can take these pain pills as needed according to the directions on the bottle.

9. Plan to make an office follow-up in one to two weeks. Call for an appointment.

10. It will be normal to have some moderate swelling or bruising of the skin that can last for one to two weeks.

SEMEN ANALYSIS: Call the office before coming in to be sure there is a physician to read your specimen. Obtain a sterile container from the office and collect the specimen at home.