Our physicians typically advise their vasectomy patients to go home immediately and lie down, elevating their feet. Although it isn’t necessary to remain immobile, excessive motion, such as that caused by walking around, increases the chance of inflammation in the scrotum and/or the area around the incision.
It is normal for the patient to feel some moderate discomfort during the first day or two after his anesthetic wears off. Ice packs, applied 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off, can help keep swelling to a minimum, and mild over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen can be used every 4 hours as needed. Stronger painkillers can be prescribed by the doctor, if necessary.
The patient can remove his bandage or dressing the day after surgery, although he should continue to wear his undershorts for support. It may be necessary to place gauze inside the shorts for a few days to protect against any bleeding or seepage from the incision as it heals.
It is all right to shower the next day. The patient should not take a bath or go swimming for several days, however.
In general, strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 2 or 3 days – longer if discomfort persists. Thereafter, the degree of discomfort should guide one’s activity, including athletic and sexual activity. Although patients typically can return to work within 3 days, most report that it takes them at least a week before they feel completely “normal” again.