Do’s and Don’ts after a vasectomy

One of the most frequently asked questions is ‘what can’t I do after my vasectomy?’ That’s not surprising, after all, you’ll want to give yourself the best chance of a quick recovery, but you really should focus on what you should be doing too.

To give you a clear idea of what to do and what not to do following your vasectomy we’ve created two useful lists for you. If you take these points on board, then you should be on the road to full recovery in no time!

Don’t be overly worried about anything detailed below, this guide is simply to protect your health and to aid the healing process.

What should I do after a vasectomy?

·       Make sure someone can accompany you home from the hospital/clinic.

·       Check that you have been given your aftercare instructions and sample pot before leaving the hospital/clinic.

·       Rest for the first 24 hours after your procedure.

·       Wear tight underpants to reduce the amount of bruising and swelling around your wound when you get home. You’ll be glad of this extra support!

·       Take simple painkiller such as paracetamol as soon as you feel the anaesthetic wearing off.

·       Apply ice to the area to help ease the discomfort.

·       Keep the area dry for a couple of days when washing.

·       Be mindful that it may take up to four weeks to feel like your usual self again.

·       Get in touch with a medical professional immediately if something doesn’t feel right to you, you notice a lump, or the pain is significant.

·       If you have sex before your test results are confirmed, you must use an alternative method of contraception.

What shouldn’t I do after a vasectomy?

·       Do not drive for the first 24 hours after the procedure. You’ll be a lot comfier in the passenger seat where you can sit in a way that alleviates some of the soreness. You will also have anaethetic still in your system for 24 hours post op.

·       Don’t go back to work for at least a week if not two. Depending on what you do, you might need to speak to your manager and tell them that you will have to stop some duties for a few days – things like lifting heavy objects.

·       Don’t take part in any sports for at least one week. If you feel up to exercising after a week, take it easy at first.

·       Don’t drink alcohol or operate any machinery for the first 24 hours if you have had a general anaesthetic.

·       Don’t have sex or ejaculate until the wound has healed, this can take around a week.  You may notice some blood in your sperm and experience some discomfort when you resume sexual activities, but this will ease.

Get in touch

We know that you’ll have lots of questions regarding your vasectomy. Let us know what they are so we can help put your mind at rest. You and your health matter to us.