Vasectomy Recovery
What to expect post-procedure
Once the local anaesthetic wears off after your vasectomy, it’s normal to feel mild aching or a pulling sensation in the scrotum. As part of your vasectomy recovery, bruising or swelling around the testicles is also common and usually improves within a few days.
To help your body heal during the first 2-3 days of the vasectomy recovery period:
- Rest as much as possible
- Avoid standing or walking regularly
- Wear supportive underwear, such as briefs or trunks, to help reduce movement and discomfort.
- Use a cold compress or wrapped ice pack regularly for the first few days to minimise swelling and promote healing.
Take pain relief such as Paracetamol as directed. Avoid Ibuprofen or Aspirin in the first week, as they can increase bruising.
By the end of the first week of vasectomy recovery time, most men find their symptoms have improved significantly. Some mild bruising, tightness or tenderness may persist for up to a week. This is completely normal and part of the healing process.
Managing pain during vasectomy recovery
After your procedure, you may notice a small scar on your scrotum. This will fade over time as you continue your recovery after a vasectomy. Any pain or discomfort you experience during your vasectomy recovery can be treated with Paracetamol during the first week and then Paracetamol or Ibuprofen (Nurofen) after that, and an appropriately placed cold pack.
We send all our patients home with an aftercare package that includes a breakdown of what to expect from their body during recovery from vasectomy surgery and how to manage it.
We have an aftercare support line that operates from Monday to Friday, 8 am – 5 pm, in the event of anything unexpected or concerning. You can speak to a nurse directly by calling 1300 888 022.
Vasectomy Recovery Tips
- Keep the wound clean and dry for the first week. Quick showers are fine, but avoid baths, pools and spas.
- Leave the dressing in place as long as possible; only replace it if it begins to lift.
- Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or sexual activity for at least one week.
- Wear comfortable, supportive underwear that doesn’t rub against the wound.
- Avoid hot environments such as saunas or hot tubs, which can worsen swelling.
- Limit alcohol intake to 1–2 drinks per day in the first week, as excessive drinking can slow healing.
- Follow the aftercare guide provided.
- Continue to use contraception until your semen test confirms your vasectomy success, which typically occurs around Week 12.
Returning to work after your vasectomy
Depending on the kind of work that you do, you should be able to return to work the day after your procedure. This is the case for people who predominantly work behind a desk or counter.
However, if your role involves any kind of heavy lifting, reaching, stretching, or other physical exertion, you may want to request light duties for your first week back at work. If this is not possible, you will need to take the week off work (we can provide medical certificates upon request) to recover properly before you return
Physical activity after your vasectomy
- You won’t be able to engage in physically strenuous activities (walking & standing all day or carrying more than 10-15 kg) for 1 week after your procedure.
- If you play non-contact sports (golf, tennis, swimming, etc.), you will have to take 2 weeks off before returning to them.
- If you are a cyclist, you will need 2 weeks before returning to stationary cycling, 3 weeks before road cycling and 4 weeks before mountain biking.
- If you play contact sports (rugby, soccer, hockey, etc.), you will need to take 1 month off before returning to them.
Sex after your vasectomy.
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When is it safe to have sex after a vasectomy?
You’ll need to abstain from sex for the first week after your procedure while you recover. Once you’ve recovered and are physically able to have sex again, you’ll need to use another form of protection, such as condoms, until your semen is confirmed to be clear of all sperm.
At around Week 12, you’ll need to provide a semen sample for analysis to confirm the procedure’s success. Until your test shows no sperm, pregnancy is still possible, even if you’ve fully recovered. After receiving confirmation that your semen is sperm-free, you can safely have sex without additional protection.
It’s also important to remember that your vasectomy won’t protect you from STIs. So always use barrier protection, such as condoms, in situations where there might be a risk of STIs. Your vasectomy will not impact your sexual performance or ability to ejaculate.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Contact your clinic or the aftercare line on 1300 888 022 if you experience during your vasectomy recovery:
- Severe or increasing pain
- Persistent swelling, redness, or bruising
- Signs of infection, such as heat or discharge from the wound
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop or blood in semen beyond two months
- A wound that hasn’t healed after two weeks