If you're considering a vasectomy, knowing how to prepare and what to expect can ease any anxieties. A vasectomy is a minor, outpatient procedure that blocks sperm from reaching semen, making it a permanent form of birth control. Here's how to prepare and some common myths to clear up along the way.
The Short Version: A Simple List
- Plan to rest (no work) for 2-3 days after the procedure.
- Arrange transportation for someone to take you home after the procedure.
- 5 days before: Stop taking aspirin and ibuprofen 5 days before the procedure.
- Night before: Shave the underside of the penis and front wall of the scrotum the night before your vasectomy.
- Keep the area clean. No ointment, cream, or powders the day of the procedure.
- Wear comfortable clothing: Wear loose clothing to your appointment.
- Bring supportive underwear or a jockstrap to your appointment.
Read on for more details on each item in this list, to help you plan ahead for your vasectomy.
Plan Ahead for Post-Procedure Rest
While a vasectomy is quick and minimally invasive, it’s important to prepare ahead of time. Plan for a relaxing day or two afterward, with ice packs and over-the-counter painkillers on hand. Make sure you’ve scheduled a few days off work to rest after the procedure. You need to avoid strenuous activity for at least a few days. Though you might feel back to normal fairly quickly, taking it easy will help your recovery go smoothly.
Shave the Area the Night Before
The night before the procedure, shave the underside of your penis and the front of your scrotum. We will clean the area before your vasectomy, so it's best to avoid shaving the morning of the procedure to prevent irritation and stinging. Before your procedure, keep the entire scrotal area clean - no ointments, creams, or powders.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
On the day of your vasectomy, wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes. Bring a supportive pair of underwear or a jockstrap to your appointment, as this can help ease any discomfort after the procedure by providing extra support to the area.
Arrange Transportation
If the only sedative that you use is nitrous oxide (laughing gas), you can drive yourself home after the procedure. If however you take an anxiolytic as a sedative (such as Valium), you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure. (Our office can prescribe medication to be sent to your pharmacy before the procedure.)
Keep in mind that about 1 in 100 patients pass out during or after the procedure, and lightheadedness is not unheard of. If you do drive yourself home, drive in the right lane so that you can pull over if you feel lightheaded at all.
No Aspirin and Ibuprofen
Your doctor will advise you to stop taking aspirin and ibuprofen five days before your vasectomy. Aspirin acts as a blood thinner, making it dangerous to use before this procedure. Make sure to discuss all current medications with the physician, particularly blood thinners. We want to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding during and after the procedure.
View all before and after care instructions
What to Expect from a No-Needle, No-Scalpel, Open-Ended Vasectomy
At Tri-Valley Vasectomy, we use the most advanced techniques available, including the no-needle, no-scalpel, open-ended vasectomy. But what exactly does this mean?
- No Needle: Instead of using a needle to numb the area, we use a pressurized injector that delivers anesthesia without piercing the skin. This method is less painful and reduces inflammation.
- No Scalpel: Rather than making a large incision, we use a small opening to access and sever the vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm). This leads to faster healing and less discomfort.
- Open-Ended: Traditional vasectomies involve closing both ends of the vas deferens. In an open-ended procedure, only the abdominal end is closed, allowing sperm to drain from the testicular end. This reduces pressure, inflammation, and the risk of long-term pain.
View more details about this procedure.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most patients are surprised by how easy the recovery is. After the procedure, you'll be given detailed instructions, including using ice packs to reduce swelling and taking over-the-counter painkillers if needed. For the first couple of days, you should avoid heavy lifting, intense physical activity, or anything that could put strain on the groin area. You should also refrain from sexual activity until your follow-up sperm analysis confirms that your semen is sperm-free.
View our thorough before and after guide.
Have More Questions? Schedule Your Free Consultation
A vasectomy is a safe, reliable form of permanent birth control with minimal recovery time. If you're considering the procedure and want to learn more about how it could work for you, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation with us at Tri-Valley Vasectomy to explore your options and have all your questions answered.
