Preparing For A Vasectomy Operation
How do you prepare for the operation? Well you must first be convinced that you want it done. Don’t allow yourself to bullied into having the operation by anyone, persuaded perhaps but not coerced! You will also need to complete a consent form on which we ask for written consent from you AND your partner. You will be given a blank consent form by your doctor as well as a printed copy of this explanatory document about vasectomy when you discuss having a vasectomy. And of course, common sense states that it is essential for you to have a consultation with your doctor about having a vasectomy BEFORE booking in to have the operation.
It’s important for you to shave ALL the hairs off your scrotum and penis, and also to trim your pubic hairs to about 1cm long. This will prevent hairs falling into the wounds during the operation and therefore by you doing this preparation you will lower your risk of infection. And please do the shaving 1-2 days before the day of surgery so that any small cuts you might accidentally make will have closed over and therefore won’t sting when the antiseptic solution is applied.
To organise the operation requires at least a few days and sometimes as long as a few weeks notice for the surgery. So plan ahead and organise your week off work well in advance. Once you know when it’s possible for you to take a break, ring up the surgery to arrange a suitable date. Bring along a pair of good supportive undies with you when you come to the surgery so that you get good support for the trip home. Arrange for someone come to pick you up from the surgery so you don’t have to drive.
Also it is essential that you be aware that for the first seven days after your operation you will be at risk of possibly triggering off bleeding around the operation site in your scrotum by performing any vigorous physical activity or suffering any knocks to the scrotum. For this reason it is essential that you plan to either have a week off work, or, if you are a "desk-jockey" whose work is not at all physically demanding then you may prefer to at least tell your boss that you may not be in for the first few days, depending on how comfortable you feel "down there"! Your doctor can provide you with a sick certificate for time off if necessary. It's best to be prepared!
Finally, if you do have second thoughts on the matter it’s preferable to postpone the operation and consider it carefully again and again. That’s always better than regretting a decision made in a rush because once it’s done it’s done!