Pat’s experience: My vasectomy story

This story was written 7 hours after the procedure, (2 p.m., Aug. 31, 2001) with an ice pack snug firmly between my thighs to help ease the discomfort – and not necessarily pain of my vasectomy.

My doctor conducted the hour-long procedure alone, and during the time he made short work of my tubing, he gabbed about how he dislikes a major health insurer in our state and about politics. His ease at small conservation and an oldies radio station that provided background noise helped put me in the right frame of mind – if he didn’t treat a vasectomy as a big deal, why should I?

Not to say there weren’t some anxious moments. Like when he stuck a needle in my scrotum to numb it (you’ll feel a little prick, no pun intended, then some burning) and when he snipped and tugged at the tube itself. It wasn’t so much the pain that I felt but curious, new sensations that made my mind squirm and my throat gulp. At times, I kept my eyes closed but the doc said it’s better to keep them open so my senses didn’t focus on what was happening down south. It worked.

I actually closed my eyes to avoid watching the doc’s hands confidently do their work. Before I knew it, an inch-long portion of my vas deferens (whatever) was taken and put in its own jar for lab testing. 10 minutes later, the second inch-long specimen followed suit. Of course, I didn’t feel anything when this happened, but when you hear the SNIP of the scissors, you pretty much realize what’s happening.

When I was cleaned up and ready to stand, I expected the weight of my body to send bolts of pain to my brain once I hit the ground, but there wasn’t any. My feet and legs seemed to work OK, and I was able to use the bathroom shortly afterward without any problem.

Since this was a workday, I had to drive myself home. About half-way through the 20-mile drive, the numbness faded and I began to feel an ache in my groin. Someone else, I think on this web site, mentioned it felt like a hard kick to the balls. I’d say that’s about right. Or try and imagine someone unexpectedly grabbing your balls tightly for a minute or two. Same feeling.

I got home, popped some Tylenol, and put some ice on the stitches. Emotionally, the operation was a big relief after waiting weeks for it. All that wait for plays with your mind, should I or not, but for me, I worried more about the pain than anything else. So far, the psychological aspects far outweigh the pain I have experienced. Things are looking well.

It’s still too early to tell if I’ll have any complications, but my advice to you guys out there who have scheduled the operation is to not let your fear overcome what is a very responsible, respected and admirable procedure. There are a lot of guys who “talk the talk” when it comes to planned parenthood, and I’m glad I’m one of those who also “Walked the walk.”

Remember Yoda: “Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to pain. Pain leads to suffering.” Keep a positive attitude, focus on the big picture and remember you’re not alone.

Submitted by Pat