I had my vasectomy today in SE Asia

Last week, I went to a private hospital to discuss getting a vasectomy. Being in a conservative country, the doctor told me to "think about it." I had been thinking about it for a long time. The doctor said the blood test and surgery could be done that day, but I had plans since I believed the appointment was only a consultation, so I left.

Today, I returned for the procedure feeling slightly frustrated by the lack of communication. Online research showed that I needed to shave the area, and I didn’t know whether I needed to fast for the blood test prior. Fortunately, eating beforehand wasn’t a problem, the hospital staff said. The doctor was a different one than the first. He spoke English and did not emotionally react to my decision. Through a translator tool on the computer, he typed details about the procedure, post op, and the three-month follow-up. Then I purchased the medicine, procedure and got a blood panel.

After my blood was drawn, I asked a nurse if I should eat before taking the medicine. They said yes and told me to go outside to eat, then return for the surgery. The hospital had a minor surgery area where I signed a waiver and waited between 5-10 minutes before going into one of the rooms. To my surprise, I was met by a female nurse. She prepped the surgery, put a monitor on my leg, and kept 'the area' clean before and during the surgery. At first she used a translator app, then spoke with limited English.

My biggest concern was pain from the needle for the anesthesia. Laying on the operating table as they prepared for the surgery, my anxiety was giving me second thoughts. I remembered to take deep breaths. The doctor told me when the injections were going to happen and made sure I was feeling okay. I’m very happy to report it did not feel like two kicks to the groin. Each injection felt like...a needle. Each stick stung for 1-2 seconds, slightly more than a regular shot. For the most part, the anesthesia worked quickly. The doctor repeatedly asked whether I felt pain. The procedure itself was mostly tugging and pulling.

Then, half-way through the second testicle, out of nowhere, I felt a sharp sting. My right leg involuntarily kicked upward, causing my knee to slam into the underside of the surgical tool table. Both the doctor and nurse were alarmed. I told them what happened. After that, there was no pain, and the doctor kept pressure on my leg while continuing. Eventually, both vas deferens were tied off. I could sense the constriction each time it was being tied.

Post surgery, I was offered the option of keeping them but declined. The doctor took a photo of them in a small, clear tray. (Later, I asked him to send the photo.) After the doctor left, I cleaned off the orange disinfectant from my stomach and inner thighs, avoiding the bandaged area. When I asked if I could take a shower, the nurse told me to not get wet for 7 days. And before leaving the hospital, I took the first dose of medicine.

The bandages need to be changed daily for a week, they said, so I'll be back tomorrow. I'm hopeful for a smooth recovery.