Vasectomy After Care
Your vasectomy recovery journey
Expert Support. Clear Expectations. Real Confidence.
What to expect after your vasectomy
First 1–3 Days
What’s normal:
Mild swelling, bruising, and some discomfort (possible bruising).
Tips:
Ice packs, supportive underwear, minimal movement.
Days 4–7
What’s normal:
Gradual improvement.
Tips:
Gentle walks OK, no strenuous activity yet.
Weeks 2–3
What’s normal:
Residual bruising or swelling can persist (it can resolve through this time).
Tips:
Normal – healing varies by individual.
3 Months
What’s normal:
Final sperm test to confirm success.
Tips:
We’ll remind you — critical step!.
Common recovery symptoms
Possible:
- Mild swelling & bruising of the scrotum
- Occasional twinges or sensitivity for 2–4 weeks
- Slight blood in semen (rare, short-lived).
- Increasing redness, swelling, or pain increasing after Day 4
- Fever or feeling unwell
- Persistent bleeding or pus at the incision site
Recovery tips
Support matters: Wear snug, supportive underwear for at least 7–10 days.
Ice it: Apply ice packs for 15 minutes at a time during the first 2 hours.
Take it easy: Physical labour jobs should be avoided for 7 days, including no heavy lifting, running, or cycling.
Pain relief: Use ibuprofen as directed (or paracemetol if you cannot use).
Most men return to light desk work within 1-2 days. Physical labour jobs may need longer rest.
What should I do after a vasectomy?
What to expect after ‘the Snip’. Join us for part 3 of our 4-part video consultation series.
What to avoid after a vasectomy
✗ Strenuous exercise including, running, lifting weights, and playing sport
✗ Physically demanding work
✗ Swimming in a pool, spa, or the ocean
✗ Taking a bath (showers are okay)
✗ Unprotected sex (until you have the all clear). You can continue sexual activities at any time provided you use contraception
Your 3-month post-vasectomy test (IMPORTANT).
Your vasectomy is not fully confirmed until your sperm test shows no sperm remaining.
- We will send you a lab form reminder
- Perform your semen test sample at 12 weeks post-procedure
- No sample = not confirmed = not safe yet!
Reminder: Use alternative contraception until your sperm test is clear.
