Preparing for Your Vasectomy at Ohio State

Preparing for Your Vasectomy at Ohio State

Your appointment

  • You can expect your appointment to take about 30 minutes. 
  • If you are more than 15 minutes later than your arrival time, your procedure may be canceled and you will be rescheduled.
  • If you will have an oral sedative or general anesthesia for your procedure, you will get additional instructions and need a driver to take you home. 
  • If you need to reschedule or if you are running late, please call us at 614-293-8155.

Day Before Your Procedure

  • Drink more fluids the day before our procedure.
  • Shave the hair off your scrotum (especially upper areas) and next to the base of the penis with a fresh razor.

Day of Your Procedure

  • Eat and drink normally the day of the procedure.
  • Bring a list of the medicines you take and any allergies you have.
  • Take your prescribed medicines the morning of procedure as directed. 
    • If you take aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), Plavix or other blood thinning medication, please discuss with your doctor about stopping before your procedure. These can cause bleeding.
    • NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, Aleve and naproxen) are OK to take before your procedure.
    • We may prescribe a drug called meloxicam, which is a strong anti-inflammatory/pain relieving medicine. If prescribed, start taking it the morning of the procedure.
    • If you have diabetes, take your diabetic medicines and check your blood sugar before arriving.
  • Bring a jock strap or other supportive underwear (athletic supporter, tight underwear or compression shorts). If you do not have any, we will give you mesh underwear to wear home.
  • Make sure your genital area is clean.
  • If you like, you can bring music and headphones with you to help you relax during the procedure. 

© 2020 - September 28, 2021, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

This handout is for informational purposes only. Talk with your doctor or healthcare team if you have any questions about your care. For more health information call the Library for Health Information at 614-293-3707 or email: health-info@osu.edu.