Vasectomy: Before Your Surgery
What is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy makes you unable to father a child. The doctor cuts and ties or seals the tubes that carry sperm to the penis. These tubes are called the vas deferens. The fluid that comes out when you ejaculate (semen) will seem the same as before. But after surgery it will no longer contain sperm. A woman can't get pregnant if there are no sperm to fertilize her egg.
This is considered a permanent method of birth control. While there is a surgery to reverse a vasectomy, it doesn't always work. Before you have it done, be sure you no longer want to have children.
You can go home on the same day. You will likely go back to work the next day. If your job involves intense activity or lifting, it may take 2 or 3 days before you can go back.
How do you prepare for surgery?
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
Preparing for surgery
- Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.
- Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
- If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it before your surgery. Or your doctor may tell you to keep taking it. (These medicines include aspirin and other blood thinners.) Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
- Tell your doctor ALL the medicines and natural health products you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your surgery. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the surgery and how soon to do it.
- Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance care plan. If you don't have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It's a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.
What happens on the day of surgery?
Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your surgery may be cancelled. If your doctor has told you to take your medicines on the day of surgery, take them with only a sip of water.
Take a bath or shower before you come in for your surgery. Do not apply lotions, colognes, or deodorants.
Unless instructed otherwise, don't shave your scrotum before you come in for surgery.
Take off all jewellery and piercings. And take out contact lenses, if you wear them.
At the hospital or surgery centre
When should you call your doctor?
- You have questions or concerns.
- You don't understand how to prepare for your surgery.
- You become ill before the surgery (such as fever, flu, or a cold).
- You need to reschedule or have changed your mind about having the surgery.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter G106 in the search box to learn more about "Vasectomy: Before Your Surgery".
Current as of: November 15, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
