How long is the recovery from a vasectomy?

2 days: Most men are ready to return to normal activities after 2 to 3 days of rest. If the procedure is done on a friday, they can be back at an office job on monday. They should avoid heavy lifting, manual labor, or sex for at least a week.

1-2 weeks: Every one is different. I have pts do very little for 2 days then light activity for one more week.

No: Most men need a couple of days of limited activity, ice packs to the scrotum and then can resume regular activity. I tell my men to refrain from heavy lifting for 7 days; they can resume intercourse (with another form of birth control) in 3-4 days after the procedure. A man must return for a post-vasectomy semen analysis at 6 and 12 weeks to ensure a successful procedure.

No: The recovery time is fairly short, especially if a no-scalpel vasectomy is performed. I recommend about 2 to 3 days of no strenuous activity and then slowly begin normal activities as tolerated. Usually, only tylenol (acetaminophen) is all that is needed during the recovery phase.