After your Vasectomy : A guide to Vasectomy

This surgery does not require an overnight stay so you can return home afterwards. It is a good idea to ask someone to pick you up from the hospital or clinic and drive you home as you will not be in a fit state to do so.

This isn’t meant to unduly worry you; rather it is just a common sense precaution. You will be sore after this surgery and sitting in the driver’s seat of a car can increase this discomfort. You may find it easier to sit on a comfy cushion in the passenger seat and let someone else do the driving.

If you have had a general anaesthetic then avoid driving, alcohol and operating any machinery for the first 24 hours after surgery. It is a good idea to ask someone to stay with you during this period.

You will be given a set of instructions about aftercare to take home with you.

Recovery at home

If you can, avoid driving for a few days after surgery until the pain and swelling/bruising has eased. This may be difficult if your job involves driving but try and reduce the amount of this until you are fully healed. Ask to switch to other duties if possible.

You will experience some discomfort for the first few days after your surgery but painkillers will ease this. The level of discomfort will depend upon whether you have had the conventional or no-scalpel form of surgery.

Paracetamol or Ibuprofen are good at easing any pain or discomfort but avoid Ibuprofen if you have stomach ulcers or kidney/liver problems.

Applying ice to the treated area will reduce swelling and ease any bruising. This also helps if there is any bleeding although this tends to be minimal. Wear a support bandage or close fitting underwear during this time.

You can shower or take a bath as usual but avoiding getting your groin area wet for the first day or so after surgery. Keep the surrounding dry and clean.

You should be able to go back to work a day or two after surgery but take it easy for the first couple of days. Avoid any heavy lifting, exercise or contact sports the first week after surgery.

It can take up to four weeks for a full recovery.

You will be asked to keep an eye on your progress as well as attending check ups after surgery. This includes checking yourself for any lumps (which is a good idea to do anyway!) and the risk of any complications such as ‘post vasectomy pain syndrome’.

When to resume your sex life

As regards sexual relations: it is a good idea to wait a few days until the area has healed although you may be advised to wait for a week before resuming sexual activity.

What you need to know is that you will not be sterile immediately. It takes some time for the remaining sperm to clear out of your tubes and you will need two ‘all clear’ semen tests before you can be said to be sterile.

Keep using contraception during this time until you have received the ‘all clear’on two occasions.