As with many medical procedures, pre-operation anxiety is typically more significant than the actual treatment itself. You will get specific instructions from your urologist on how to be ready for the vasectomy procedure after you have made up your mind to go ahead and set up an appointment. You will enhance the success of your treatment and recovery if you follow these vasectomy recommendations to the latter. Preparation for a New York vasectomy might be as simple as following this checklist.
How to Dress
The vasectomy will likely need you to change into a hospital gown for sterility reasons, but getting ready and following up after the procedure is equally important. Depending on where you are going, your doctor may want you to:
- Use an antibacterial solution while bathing or showering the day before surgery.
- Have comfortable attire that is simple to put on and take off.
Vasectomies require shaving the pubic hair
You may be requested to shave or trim your pubic hair in preparation for a vasectomy. The night before the surgery is the optimal time to do this treatment. As you prepare, keep the following recommendations in mind.
- On the morning of vasectomy, remove all pubic hair from the scrotum, including the hair on the penis top.
- It would help if you did not use electric razors on the scrotum. Disposable razors with just one blade are great.
- After shaving or waxing, thoroughly clean the scrotum and groin region.
Blood thinners should only be used when prescribed by a doctor.
Taking blood thinners before and after a vasectomy increases the chance of bleeding problems. Your doctor will probably urge you to cease using any blood clotting medications for approximately a week before the vasectomy. This category includes several drugs. Prescription anticoagulants like clopidogrel and warfarin are included, as are newer anticoagulants like apixaban and rivaroxaban. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are also included. Blood clotting is unaffected by or increased by acetaminophen.
Drinks and Food
There should be no need to abstain from eating or drinking in the days leading up to your operation unless you are going under general anesthesia. Preparing for your vasectomy, your healthcare professional may advise you to avoid big meals, eat light, or drink liquids.
What you need
A vasectomy is a simple outpatient operation, but you should still prepare for some pain afterward. After your vasectomy, you may be requested to find someone to drive you home and take care of you. You might inflame the surgical site if you drive for an extended period following your vasectomy.
Arrive in time if there are any forms or consents you have not filled out before. Bring your photo ID and any relevant insurance information with you so that you may complete the necessary papers.
It is also a good idea, following your vasectomy, to wear a clean jockstrap, compression shorts, or another kind of support clothing, as directed by your healthcare practitioner. After surgery, you should wear simple clothes to put on and take off.
It takes six to eight weeks (30-40 ejaculations) for all of your sperm to exit your body after a vasectomy, so you are not sterile right away. On the day of your operation, you will be given detailed instructions on doing follow-up semen testing. Until a semen test shows no sperm, you must use another type of birth control.