Shaving before your vasectomy a simple guide
Its very simple:
- Shave the front of the scrotum and the bottom half of the penis
- Cut all pubic hair to a maximum of 1cm length with the scissors
- Click here for an illustrated guide
- You can use de-hairing cream, but read the label and ensure you do not use repeatedly within 48 hrs or per advice. If at all possible use cream specifically designed for your privates.
When should I shave?
There are 2 schools of thought. In the UK we like to advise to shave 2-3 days before, so a bit of hair can re-grow and the antiseptic does not sting. We also believe this lowers the infection risk in many cases. However, in the US they like you to shave shortly before the procedure so patients do not develop folliculitis.
Reasons against shaving
Some guidelines say you do not have to shave before a vasectomy or other surgical procedures, but those guidelines are written by surgeons and nurses who prefer writing guidelines to operating. They clearly have not done procedures where hair got into the way and into the wound. They also do not understand about the importance of a dressing sticking well after surgery.
Patience is a virtue
Please remember to take your time. Shave well, it pays dividends. Not only is the procedure easier for the surgeon, the dressing will also stick well on your scrotum afterwards and healing will be a lot better. As a sealed and disinfected environment infections are also extremely unlikely.