Recovery of Vasectomy

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You will probably have a little discomfort, swelling and bruising for a few days after a vasectomy, but this normally fades quite quickly. Taking a mild painkiller, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, and wearing tight fitting underpants day and night can ease the discomfort, although ibuprofen is not recommended if you have a history of asthma, kidney, or liver disease. If any of these symptoms continue after a few days you should consult your GP.

You should avoid sport and heavy lifting while the discomfort lasts. Most men will be fit to return to work one or two days after their vasectomy.

You can have sex again as soon as it is comfortable to do so, though it is best to wait for a couple of days. However, you are not sterile immediately after the operation as it takes time to clear the remaining sperm in the tubes. Until you have had two clear semen tests you will still have to use another method of contraception.

Problems after a vasectomy are uncommon. There is a small risk of infection of the wound and some men do experience a dull ache in the scrotum for several weeks after the procedure. Bleeding can occur inside your scrotum, causing it to swell and become painful. This is called a haematoma. Occasionally, sperm may leak into the scrotum and form a swelling (sperm granuloma), or sperm may collect at the epididymis (the coiled tube through which sperm exits your testes) and cause epididymitis. Both can inflame the vas and cause prolonged pain, but both will usually go away with rest and anti-inflammatory medicine.'