After Care
Same Day After Your Vasectomy
After your vasectomy, I recommend that you do not drive yourself home. Some men may feel lightheaded or even faint. This is uncommon, but out of an abundance of caution, it is best for your partner, a family member, or a friend to drive you home instead.
When you get home, sit or lie down somewhere comfortable for the remainder of the day and rest.
You should apply ice to your scrotum several times that day. This helps prevent bleeding and swelling. I recommend doing this at least three times for about 20 minutes each time. I recommend 20 minutes ice on and then 1 hour ice off. You may do more if needed. Most men place the ice over their underwear rather than directly on the skin to avoid ice burns.
The local anesthetic I use is long-acting and typically lasts about six hours. When sensation begins to return, it will feel similar to a bruise. Just like any other bruises, it will hurt if you overexert yourself. If you rest and apply ice, you will most likely not need pain medication.
Most men do not require pain medication afterwards. If you do, ibuprofen is usually the best option, unless I have advised you otherwise.
Keep the Band-Aid on for at least 24 hours and keep the area dry during that time. This means no showering or bathing until 24 hours have passed. After 24 hours, you may shower or bathe and then remove the Band-Aid. (Tip: if removal of the Band-Aid is difficult, massage Vaseline onto it to soften the adhesive.) You do not need to re-cover the wound, but apply a thin layer of Vaseline twice daily until the skin is fully healed.
I recommend wearing supportive underwear for up to a month after your vasectomy.
It is normal to experience some pulling or a heavy sensation in the scrotum for up to a month afterwards. Wearing supportive underwear—such as snug boxer-briefs, briefs, or a jockstrap—significantly helps reduce this discomfort. Most men wear boxer-briefs, but if yours are loose-fitting, choose a more supportive pair. You do not need to wear supportive underwear while sleeping, only when active.
The Next Three Days
For the next three days, take things slowly and avoid vigorous activity.
Do not lift anything heavier than about 8 lbs (roughly the weight of a gallon of milk). This is a very important step to prevent bleeding. If you want to avoid developing large scrotal swelling (“grapefruit-sized testicles”), please follow this advice. Many men feel surprisingly well the day after surgery and are tempted to do more than they should, but this is when complications can occur.
During these three days, you may take short walks and drive your car, but avoid lifting.
After three days, you may gradually resume regular activities. Start with less strenuous tasks and build up over the next few days. If you experience discomfort, slow down. Most men will find that they are able to return to all desired activities within two weeks or sooner.
Returning to Work
This depends on the nature of your work. Most men can return on day four, starting with light duties and gradually resuming normal activities back to normal over the next few days.
As you return to your normal work-related activities, if you begin to experience pain, you should stop that specific activity and switch to something less strenuous. Activities that cannot be stopped once started should be avoided until you are confident you can perform them comfortably again.
If your employer cannot provide light duties and heavy lifting is required immediately, consider taking a full week off.
Men with sedentary jobs (office or computer work) could technically return the next day. However, if you need to be physically present in the office, keep in mind that applying ice may still be necessary, which is not ideal in a workplace setting. Working from home is preferable in this situation.
During your consultation, we will discuss your work and create an individualized return-to-work plan. Please note that as of November 28, 2025, new BC legislation prevents employers from requiring a sick note from a health practitioner for short-term health-related leave.
Returning to Sports/Exercise
Most men resume all normal activities within two weeks.
Light cardiovascular exercise (jogging, elliptical) may begin on day 5 or 6, provided you wear supportive underwear. For one week you should avoid activities that could impact the scrotum, for example cycling, biking and sledding.
Weight training may resume one week after surgery, starting at 50% of your usual weights and gradually increasing. For example, if you normally bench press 100 lbs, start of with 50 lbs and then gradually increase back to normal again.
High-intensity sports (hockey, cross-fit, martial arts) should be delayed for at least one week, and even then performed at about 50% capacity.
Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and lake water for one week to reduce infection risk.
Returning to Sexual Activity
Avoid all sexual activity, including masturbation, for one week after your vasectomy. This is important to prevent bleeding.
Involuntary nocturnal erections are normal. I ask you to not entertain it.
When you resume sexual activity, the area may feel sensitive at first. This is normal, and sensation will return to baseline quickly.
Remember: you must continue using contraception until your post-vasectomy semen test confirms success.
