Managing Anxiety

Managing anxiety around your vasectomy.

Your comfort, confidence, and care come first.

Feeling anxious about your vasectomy is completely normal — and at SNIP, we understand that comfort isn’t just physical. From your first question to your full recovery, we support you with clear information, expert care, and options tailored to your needs.

Why it’s normal to feel nervous.

Medical procedures naturally cause anxiety — that’s completely human.
For many men, a vasectomy also carries emotional significance — decisions about family, identity, and the future.
We take your emotional wellbeing seriously — and we never rush or judge.

How we support you at SNIP

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Personal consultation

Dedicated time with your doctor to ask questions and discuss concerns.

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Clear, simple information

You’ll always know what to expect — step-by-step, no surprises.

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Experienced team

Our clinicians are calm, kind, and never in a rush.

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Flexible scheduling

If you need to rebook or take time to decide, we’re here for you.

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Medications that can help you feel calmer

We offer two optional supports. Depending on your comfort level and clinical needs you can choose to use one option or use both:

Temazepam (Tablet – Mild Sedative)

Temazepam is an oral medication taken shortly before your procedure. It helps to:

Reduce nervous tension
Promote a sense of calm and relaxation
Make the lead-up to the procedure feel much more manageable

Temazepam is only offered after clinical assessment and must be taken under guidance. You’ll need someone to drive you home.

Penthrox (Green Whistle – Inhaled Analgesic)

Penthrox is a fast-acting inhaler used during the procedure. It helps to:

Calm the mind quickly — often within minutes
Reduce pain sensitivity — especially helpful during local anaesthetic injections
Offer a sense of control — you hold the device and inhale as needed
Fade quickly — no lingering effects

“I was quite nervous. The whistle calmed me instantly and I barely noticed the local anaesthetic. It made the whole experience easier.” — SNIP Patient

Temazepam and Penthrox: What’s the difference?

Temazepam

When is it used: Before the procedure
How it works: Sedative (tablet)
Primary benefit: Settles nerves in advance
Need a driver after: Yes
Offered to: Patients with high anxiety (clinically assessed)

Penthrox

When is it used: During the procedure
How it works: Inhaled calming analgesic
Primary benefit: Calms and reduces pain in real time
Need a driver after: Usually, yes
Offered to: Patients who need anxiety and pain support during the procedure

You’re in expert hands

Over 40,000 New Zealanders have trusted SNIP. Whether you need a calm voice, more information, or medication support — we’re here to help you feel in control and confident.

If you’re feeling nervous, just tell us. There’s no concern too small — and every question is welcome.