Warren’s story: It went well with minimum pain. A Londoner’s experience

The most surprising thing is that I felt/feel only minimal pain.

Background

Healthy 40-year-old British Chinese with three children, all sons, currently aged 3.5 months, 5 years, and 10 years old. The third child came as a BIG, unexpected surprise/shock. Although he’s a lovely, handsome boy, we really do not want a fourth child!

It took 6 months after family doctor approval to get the appointment and only because someone else couldn’t accept it i.e. it was a cancellation. If you don’t want to wait a long time, just call the hospital and ask if there’s a cancellation/non-confirmed appointment opportunity. Bear in mind, it could take 6-9 months before you get your appointment under the British National Health Service (which is basically “free”). This is a long time to wait when you are ready for it.

The vasectomy

The actual operation took around 25 mins and by a quirk in current affairs, I had two doctors (something to do with our current gasoline/petrol shortage).

Two things surprised me. Firstly, just lying down there for that time meant I ended up chatting with the doctors. I hadn’t expected this but what else is there to do? The operation was conventional with a scalpel. Actual pain was just the injection. I was discharged about 30 mins later, which was earlier than expected. I also drove back as it is only 10 mins drive (in fact, I decided to do some grocery shopping on the way back home!) Afterward, as the local anesthetic wore off, I kept thinking of pain, ice packs, and painkillers. (I can’t remember taking pain killers for 20+ years.) But, I felt quite OK. Took a nap a few hours later. Went back to (office) work the next day. It’s now 48 hours later and I just feel minimal pain.

Conclusion

It may not hurt that much for some people. My wife was afraid of the pain but I explained that I would be the one to experience it. I recommend vasectomy. My best wishes to everyone reading this and contemplating this minor operation.

Submitted by Warren