After a lot of research and a consultation with renowned urologist Dr. Desi Avila, you’ve made the decision to have a vasectomy. You have the date circled on your calendar, and you’ve put in your request for time off from work. Now what?
While Dr. Avila will give your pre-op instructions to you at your vasectomy consultation, it’s reassuring to review the information so you are well prepared.
How to Prepare for Your Vasectomy
- For two weeks prior to your vasectomy, abstain from any medications that thin blood. This includes over-the-counter aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, and certain prescriptions like warfarin and heparin. Be sure to discuss your medications with Dr. Avila during your initial consultation.
- Take any medications Dr. Avila has given you before your procedure. Typically, you will be given an antibiotic to help reduce your already low risk of infection.
- Write down any questions you may have about post-op instructions, so you can review them with Dr. Avila beforehand.
- You are free to eat normally the day before and the day of your procedure, although you may want to consider keeping your meal light on the day you’re scheduled for surgery.
- Shave the surgical area the night before your procedure. Electric razors can irritate your skin or cause a rash, so be sure to use a conventional razor. If you have razor rash, your procedure may be delayed.
- Shower or bathe in the morning to ensure the area is as clean as possible. This, in addition to antibiotics, will nearly eliminate the likelihood of post-op infection.
- Wear comfortably loose pants, and bring a jock strap to put on after the procedure. Many men find jock straps very useful for recovery, so you may want to have a few on hand. Shop at an athletic store rather than a pharmacy, for better quality and selection.
- Arrange to have someone drive you to and from the procedure, as the anesthesia may make it unsafe to drive, and you’ll want avoid applying undue pressure on the area from driving.
- Understand you may experience mild discomfort after your vasectomy, but you will be given a prescription pain reliever if you need it.
- Stock up on frozen vegetables or ice packs. The cold treatment will help reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Stock up on condoms, too. You are not sterile immediately after a vasectomy, so it’s best to practice safe sex until your have had sperm counts that confirm you are no longer fertile.
Even though vasectomies are extremely common and extraordinarily safe procedures, it’s normal to still feel nervous or apprehensive. Being as prepared as possible ahead of time can help calm any fears you may still be feeling. Some men wish to have their partner in the operating room during the procedure to ease anxiety. If you are considering this, please discuss it with Dr. Avila.
In addition to providing high quality, patient-centered care, Dr. Avila is Phoenix’s leading expert in men’s reproductive and sexual health, specializing in scalpel-free vasectomies that minimize pain and recovery time. Request an appointment online or call (480) 961-2323 to learn more about our leading-edge and needle-free vasectomy procedure today.
