Preparation

How to prepare for a vasectomy

Before your surgery, you'll receive information explaining how to prepare for your vasectomy. You may be asked to:

shave your scrotum (the skin that covers the testicles) a few days before the procedure - the information will tell you how to do this at home safely
have a shower or bath on the morning of your vasectomy - this helps reduce the risk of infection
wear or bring tight-fitting underwear on the day of the surgery

You're likely to have some pain after the procedure. Make sure you have painkillers at home for the pain. If you're concerned about pain, speak to the nurse or doctor. They may be able to offer you extra pain relief.

Ibuprofen is usually recommended, but you can use paracetamol if you cannot take ibuprofen.

It will not be safe for you to drive home afterwards. You will need to make other arrangements for getting home.

Sexual Health Advice

Throughout this series we have help and advice on staying healthy, dealing with Sexually Transmitted Infections, the risks of each type of the most popular gay sex and what to do if the sex you have is not consentual. The topics covered in this series include:

	This item was in brought to you association with NHS website. Follow the links above for more information and don't forget to check out OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health which features items on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. This week our topic is: L - Lung Cancer.
Photos: OutUK and LightFieldStudios.