Vasectomy - current / recent waiting times

Waiting for the snip. Whilst there’s plenty in here about how it feels afterwards, waiting for the all clear etc, before anyone tells me to do a search, I’m specifically interested in the waiting times for anyone who has had it done recently or is about to have it done.

My wife hates condoms and I’m not a fan of them either, my marriage is practically a sexless one and the same excuse comes out every single time: “I don’t want to get pregnant and I don’t like condoms.” I want to totally eliminate these excuses and hopefully get some proper action again before I die.

I am interested in the timeline of recent ops, if anyone can contribute. I asked the GP to reactivate my referral late last year (after initially asking a few years ago, then stuff happened and I just put it off), I had the Urology consultation (including examination where thankfully he said it will be done under general anaesthetic!) and gave a signed consent form on 21 Jan. I then went back to Urology for my Pre-op on 3 Feb.

All good so far and moving fairly quickly. Nothing has happened since. Nearly 11 weeks since the Pre-op and it’s killing me every day the op letter doesn’t arrive. I just want it done! I was told that the Pre-op is valid for 12 weeks, after which point I’ll have to go and do it again. Late next week I may ring them and try to book a new Pre-op, but even then I’ll have no idea if that will just expire too. I guess I just have to accept that there are longer waits than normal after the last couple of years, but I just expected that the Pre-op and its 12 week expiry meant that the op was imminent. Anyone who’s recently done it or has their date confirmed, please tell me how long your wait was from your first Pre-op! Thanks

 

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I got mine through Planned Parenthood, no charge... It's worth the wait, but the wait is about 3 months. Their clinic in my area does vasectomy but one Wednesday per month!

 

I realise it won’t be the same for everyone. Just wanted to get an idea from those who’ve experienced it recently or about to have it done. I meant more the wait time from having a Pre-operative assessment (the one where they check your weight, height, blood pressure, etc, and ask you a ton of questions).

As I said, I was told this is valid for 12 weeks, and thus attending it meant the operation was imminent. It’s just a bit disheartening to wonder how many times I might get have to do the Pre-op again before the actual op gets done. I’m surprised in a way they don’t give you the operation date, then schedule the Pre-op assessment for a week or two before

 

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Mine took about a month to get an appointment. Was pretty easy really.

Just gave my 3 month sample yesterday and am now shooting blanks. I’m happy about that.

 

I don't remember the timeline. My wife worked for the doctor who did mine. When I went in to give a semen sample to check for sperm after healing, the nurse gave me a pint jar and a Playboy and told me to fill it up. My wife and the other girls had a good laugh at that.

 

I can't comment on the particular timeline i'm afraid, and I strongly suspect it will depend upon exactly where in the world you are. In the UK i'm sure there will be major variability between areas. I asked my GP who referred me to our local specialist. The surgeon is a guy who is a GP but also specialises in doing the snip and has done 2500+! Not more than 5 cases with any complications which was reassuring. I had it done under local anaesthetic as did many of my friends. Cue lots of gags about how big a needle we required for the anaesthetic... which incidentally was the most uncomfortable part although bearable and short-lived. Well worth doing though, total procedure was 30 mins including prep time. Walked out within about 90 minutes, moving like John Wayne for 1-2 days taking paracetemol but was able to run a reasonable 5 km within a week which gives an idea of recovery time.

Do bear in mind it's several months and many ejaculations before you'll be in the clear so to speak. Hopefully your wife can rise to the challenge and help you shorten the timeframe...

 

Thanks for the replies. I go for another Pre-op tomorrow (valid for another 12 weeks), but the op which was due next week was cancelled today as the surgeon has broken his arm. Already got another date so in less than 4 weeks it should finally be done. Disappointing as I got psyched up for it and planned my week around it, but these things happen.

The wait for the all clear doesn’t bother me. I just want to know it’s done, so I’ll happily tick off a bunch of ejaculations and take in my sample when needed.

 

What a pain. The clinic I got it done in just did vasectomy and nothing else. Was really easy. Literally just book in, turn up, few questions then take your undies off. Job done.

 

Woohoo, finally had it done today, around 8 months since started the ball(s) rolling again. Such a relief to finally get there. Hopefully get the all clear in around 3 months time

 

Take it easy for a bit. Don’t do what I did and go back to work too soon. They tickled a bit.

 

Thanks. I had it done Thurs and already had Fri to Sun booked off work afterwards. Most advice I’ve read said to not do any heavy lifting or pulling for a week, as the strain can cause internal bleeding and slow the recovery process. My work is quite physical so it’s wise not to risk it. I’ll stay off a few more days and possibly return late in the week, then I’ll have given it a full week of good recovery time.

It’s not really painful, just some discomfort as expected. Naturally it’s a trauma to the body, which has to readjust. I hope the stitches dissolve ok, the doctor said 3-4 weeks so I guess that’s more likely, but online advice says 5-10 days. I believe taking a bath can help them dissolve but not to take one for the first 5 days or so anyway.

7-10 days before shooting a load seems common advice, happy to oblige if it helps the recovery, a bit nervous about the first few though as warned they may contain some blood. Anyway, I’ll do my best to help a good recovery and sure in no time I’ll be ticking off those loads and taking my sample in

 

Just be careful. I have a physical job as well so had it done on the Thursday then went back on the Monday. Had no pain at all until I went back to work which was a mistake. Would recommend a week. I had a slow and gentle jerk off after after the snip and that didn’t cause any discomfort though.

 

^ Thanks. Recovery went well, the last stitches fell out after 3 weeks, I can see where it was done and I guess always will (doesn’t bother me) but it isn’t swollen, raised or uncomfortable.

Nearly 4 weeks on from the op now and have shot my load 21 times already, so doing my bit to get rid of any sperm left in there. Now I just wait for my invite letter to rock up with a sample, before I get the all clear and never have to use BC again!

 

Nice, almost makes me want to get the snip, too, then....almost...but not quite...

 

So I took my sample in for analysis on 10 October. The letter that came with the sample pot said that the results should be with the ‘referring clinician’ in 10 days. Who actually is this? A quick Google says that the results go to the doc who performed the op, but others I’ve asked think they’ll go to my GP.

Getting fed up of waiting now. Do I have to chase these results up or should someone contact me and tell me either way, if I’ve got the all clear or if there’s some issue and maybe I need to provide another sample?

 

Finally got my all clear letter last week. Such a relief!