Getting ready for your vasectomy
3 Days Before Your Vasectomy
Do not take any anti-inflammatory medications. Examples include Aspirin (ASA), Advil/Motrin (Ibuprofen), Aleve (Naproxen), or any other prescribed or herbal anti-inflammatories. These medications may increase your risk of bleeding, so we want them out of your system before the procedure.
If you experience aches or pains during the three days prior to your vasectomy, you may take Tylenol (Acetaminophen).
Certain other medications may also need to be held prior to your surgery. During your initial consultation, I will review all of the medications you take and provide specific instructions if any additional medications need to be withheld.
1 Day Before Your Vasectomy
Do not drink any alcohol. Alcohol may also increase your risk of bleeding, so we want it out of your system.
The night before your vasectomy, please shave the hair on the front of the scrotum (see the area indicated in the picture). A smooth shave is not required—just a quick trim close to the skin.
Some men mistakenly believe a vasectomy is performed from the rear of the scrotum. It is not. Please refer to the picture provided.
Shaving can be done with a regular manual cartridge razor, using light pressure against the skin. This is the most effective and safest method of trimming hair in this area.
Do not use regular hair clippers directly on the skin. You will cut yourself and may end up doing your own vasectomy. Specialized body hair trimmers are available, but if you do not trim this area often, they are not worth the expense for one-time use. I have also seen men cut themselves with these trimmers, so please be careful.
If you insist on using regular hair clippers, lift the hair with a comb and run the clippers against the teeth of the comb. Once again, do not use clippers directly on the skin. You have been warned!
1 Hour Before Your Vasectomy
I recommend taking two Extra-Strength Tylenol (1000 mg Acetaminophen) one hour before your procedure. Local anesthetic medication has an acidic pH, and as it wears off, it can cause achiness. Taking Tylenol beforehand helps reduce this discomfort once the freezing begins to wear off.
Tylenol (Acetaminophen) does not increase your risk of bleeding and is safe to take prior to the procedure.
Anxiety before a vasectomy is normal and expected. Almost all men experience some degree of anxiety. The biggest anxiety is related to the “fear of the unknown.” But then afterwards, the majority of men report that the procedure was not as bad as they anticipated.
If you feel you need something for anxiety, please discuss this with Dr. Barnard prior to your appointment.
Eat something light before you come in. You do not need to fast for this procedure.
Remember you will need supportive underwear afterwards. For example briefs, boxer-briefs, or an athletic supporter. You will need these for about a month afterwards.
Remember, you will need someone to drive you home. (See aftercare instructions)
IMPORTANT
We have a 24-hour cancellation policy. If you do not show up for your appointment or cancel less than 24 hours beforehand without a reasonable excuse, you will be billed for the cancellation. No further appointments will be offered until all outstanding bills are paid.
