Shaving Before Your Vasectomy: A Simple Guide*

Honestly, it’s not rocket science:

1. Shave the front of your scrotum and the lower half of your penis.
(Think of it as clearing the runway for a smooth landing.)

2. Trim the rest of your pubic hair to no more than 1 cm using scissors.
Why? Pubic hair is deceptively curly and often longer than you think. Even if it looks tidy, it loves nothing more than sneaking into the surgical area and causing chaos. Trim it back to keep things under control.

3. Optional: Hair removal cream is fine, but only if you follow the instructions. Don’t use it more than once in 48 hours, and ideally pick one made for the “gentleman’s region.” You really don’t want surprises down there.

Timing Is Everything (Well, Almost)

There are two schools of thought:

The UK way: Shave 2–3 days before. This gives your skin time to settle, avoids the antiseptic sting, and often lowers the infection risk.
The US way: Shave right before the procedure to reduce the chance of folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles).

We lean toward the UK method—because it’s practical, but also because… well, we’re in the UK.

Do I Really Need to Shave? (Short Answer: Yes)

Some official guidelines say shaving isn’t necessary. That’s lovely in theory, but clearly written by people who prefer paperwork to actual surgery. In real life, hair gets in the way, into wounds, and under dressings. It’s not ideal. A proper shave makes everything easier and cleaner—trust us, we’ve seen the difference.

Patience is a virtue! Why a Careful Shave Matters

This isn’t a race. A careful shave pays off: your surgeon has a clearer view, the dressing sticks properly, and healing goes much more smoothly. Infections are extremely rare when everything’s sealed and disinfected—so give yourself the best start.

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*TVVS patients: You’ll find an illustrated shaving guide in your patient pack.