Paul’s experience: Plenty of practical advice

Once we decided to have a vasectomy, I asked my primary doctor for a list of urologists when I went to him for a regular physical. I studied the list, tried to check the doctors’ background on the web, and picked one who was board certified in urology and who had been a doctor for a little longer than some of the others.

I made the appointment for a consultation. First, his nurse met with me and played a videotape about vasectomy which was unhelpful. Then she went over the procedure a little and stressed more than once that I should bring an athletic supporter to wear after the surgery and not boxer shorts or jockey shorts. The doctor came in for a few minutes and asked if I had any questions. Then he had me drop my pants and jockeys for a quick exam of my scrotum and testicles. He also told me to bring a tight jockstrap and not to wear boxers or briefs since they provide either no support or very light support.

The vasectomy

When I arrived a few weeks later for the vasectomy, the nurse led me to the surgical area. She handed me one of those cotton gowns, as you might wear for a physical exam, and told me to go into the restroom down the hall and strip completely. I returned to the surgical room in the gown and carrying my clothes. By the way, I asked a friend who had a vasectomy about his suggestions and all he said was “take Advil to get 2 or 3 tight jocks, and wear one to the vasectomy, otherwise, you will be carrying your underwear home in one hand.” So that’s what I did. I wore a tight jockstrap, sweatpants, running shoes and a nice t-shirt. So basically dress like you are going to the gym.

The nurse had me lay on the surgical table and put my feet in the stirrups. My only experience is the position women are in for their regular exams. Of course, I am exposed down below, but she gets me in position and covers me up until the doctor comes. I wasn’t particularly nervous about her seeing everything, but it was an odd experience.

The doctor comes in and gives me two or three injections in the scrotum. They stung but were bearable. He made an incision and finished one side. When he switched to the other side, I feel a sharp pain and he gives me two or three little injections in that area to deaden the spot.

The whole operation maybe took 10 minutes. He quickly left and his nurse helped me sit up on the table. She got my clothes off the chair and helped me into the jockstrap. She wanted to make sure the gauze over the incisions stayed in place while I pulled the jock up. Then I dressed myself the rest of the way. Before I left the office, she had me pull my sweatpants down once so that she could check and see if there was any bleeding through the pouch. There wasn’t and I left the office.

After the procedure

Went home and stayed in bed for the rest of that day. I had been told to keep ice on my scrotum, but over the jock, so basically wore a t-shirt and jockstrap while resting. The ice did not help when I tried to ice over my sweatpants. Not much bleeding, but very swollen for several days. Continued to wear a jock as underwear for about a week (did wear shorts over the jock when the kids were around). Took Advil a lot and tried to apply ice regularly (when home from work and for 2 weekends after the vasectomy) Went back to the doctor for a quick follow-up and he said to continue to ice as needed, take Advil, and wear the jock. He also said that I needed to wear briefs, not boxers, and to always wear a jock for sports, exercise, or discomfort.

I have had some continuing soreness off and on during the last year, but my regular doctor says to take Advil and wear a jock when scrotum becomes sore. I’m glad I had it done, despite the occasional soreness. The soreness is manageable and has become less over time.

Submitted by Paul