How long does vasectomy recovery take?

I had my no scalpel vasectomy over a year ago ans still suffer on a daily basis. Been through two nerve block injections over the past four months to try to help with the discomforts. Has helped a bit but not made me feel like I did before the vasectomy. Like others, I wish I was made more aware of the possible complications. If I would have known I could have been in pain everyday as an cause of the vasectomy, I would have not gone through with it. Guys....think twice before going through this....if you are an unlucky one to have pain afterwards, not too much to be done to fix it once it happens.

Six days post a no-scalpel vasectomy. I saw a very experienced (read older) urologist. Generally very positive. No sharp pain, just dull ache and discomfort. 2 regular tylenol every 4 hours for the first day, then nothing more.

Jock strap and frequent ice for first few days. Only minor swelling and one small bruise (size of a quarter) near the puncture site. Discomfort seems to be around the vas sheath and extends up the inguinal canal a short way into the abdomen.  I can very easily imaging this being much worse when done by less experienced hands or being too active too soon.

Standing, walking, working generally causes minor swelling and associated discomfort, but that goes away at night. Agree with others that gravity is not our friend right now.

Am sleeping in jock strap, underwear, and biking shorts. The compression helps witht the swelling and I'll put a small cool pack (not ice) between the biking shors and underwear--that feels very comforting.

I will be very positive about this when sterility is confirmed.

Advice for those considering vasectomy:

1) Have it done by a urologist, and get the "no scalpel" variety. This type is associated with reduced rates of infection and reduced complications.  Mechanically, there is less 'rooting around' inside the scrotum because the puncture is done directly over the vas. If your urologist doesn't do this type of procedure, find someone else! Ask the receptionist if they can do 'no scalpel' before you even do the consult.

2) Buy 3 or 4 jock straps on the small side, before going to the procedure.

3) Plan on 3 to 4 days of taking it very easy (no work, minimize walking).

4) Avoid any pain killer that is a blood thinner (NO aspirin, NO Advil) Tylenol is good. Alieve is marginal.  Blood thinning pain killers increase the risk of internal bleeding/oozing and much more pain later.

5) Discuss an "open ended" vasectomy, where the testicular end is left open (this prevents the pressurization and build of sperm inside the testical and the feeling of "blue balls".

6) demand something called "fascial interposition". This is where the sealed prostate end of the cut vas is sewn outside of the vas sheath. Clinical trials have demonstrated this maneuver dramatically increases the durability and reliability of vasectomy.

Mine took 3 months to heal where I did not notice it any longer & about 6 months after the snip I started to get dull localized pain inside my sac where the snip took place (feels like lumps). Now when I am getting close to cumming, it can sometimes feel like someone is jamming a pencil into each side of my sac. I just bear it to get the job done. I went back to the urologist for the 4th time & he prescribes antibiotics stating that I may have an infection that never subsided, yup from 10 months ago. I'd rather him say suck it up than to pretend to treat me for something that is not there. Have the chick get the esure inserts or to have her get her tubes tied. A simple procedure, yes, minimal, yes,  a dull pain that really never leaves at a minimum, yes, worst decision ever, at this point I'm going to say yes. It takes 10-15 min to get sniped & a life time of pain, or so at least that what I gather I'm in for from other posts. NOT WORTH IT.

I got mine done on Tuesday. The procedure went quit well and it's now sat. Evening I did not wear any support until I read some of this feed back and I am glad I did. I get some discomfort still but nothing I can't deal with. I have reddish sac still and most of the discomfort is in my left side in the grone area. I went to work on Friday and I should of stay home that is when most of my swelling started ice is dealing with that. And has many other man stated milk it as long as u can cause this is to spare her a long surgery and recovery

I got mine done last Thursday.  Older experienced Urologist that came with the recommendation of my family doctor.  The procedure took 15 minutes and the only pain was the tiny pricks of the local.  I was nervous as hell though and was wishing that I had asked for a sedative before coming in.  A lot of forced slow deep breathing to keep the nerves in check.  At some point the doctor asked if I was going to pass out.  Later I asked him about it and he said that he's had people pass out before.

Iced my balls all day that day and took Tylenol here and there staying off my feet.  Felt like I had been kicked in the nuts but the ice really helped.  Second day was better.  Before going to bed on the fourth day I noted some minor bruising on the left and a black bruise the size of a quarter on the right.  Day five I returned to work and took it easy in the office as much as I could.  Today I noticed the bruise on the right was now red in the middle.  I was concerned about this as I had never had a red bruise before.  Always went from purple to yellow/green.  So I called the Urologist and they said this is normal.  It was pretty sore on the right by the end of my work day so I went home and took a couple ibuprophen.  It feels a lot like an inflamed epididymis I had in college.

I'm still tender on the right, but over all not too bad.  I had almost no swelling to speak of.  Compared to my wisdom teeth extraction, this is a walk in the park.

Reading all off these posts would have made me wonder about getting done had I seen it a day ago. I am now 24 hours post op, and have been waiting for some signs to show. The only thing I felt during was the needle, which was nothing more then having blood taken. I got bored and was trying to watch as they were working. Although I couldnt see much with the towels in the way. I havent taken anything since there is no pain, swelling or even brusing. A tiny little red mark is the only identifying mark that let me know where they cut. I have been trying to stay off my feet but it is hart to do. I guess it just shows that we all have a different experience and that you can never plan on the after effects.

13 months since the snip & last week out of the blue I had a dull aching pain like a head ache internally. I felt it about 2 inches above the base of my penis & about an inch under the skin. It comes & goes like that for a couple minutes here & there but this time it lasted  2 days. I last saw the urologist 8 months post op & he told me I probably had an infection & prescribed antibiotics. An infection for 8 months that is intermittent????? He should have been upfront with me & just told me, "it is what it is." I'll go weeks and be fine then it acts up, sitting down, walking around, during sex, just whenever, out of the blue, usually for not too long thankfully.

Had my surgery done on a Tuesday.  I am in day 8 and I was scared to move immediately following surgery.  I iced, took tylenol, applied Neosporin with the gauze, and stayed in bed the first 24 hours...started feeling better by day 2-3.  With a 3 yr old and a 10 month old, I had to recover quickly.  I have been feeling fine as long as I keep on the jock strap. 

Not great. Had mine done 8 days ago now. I'd speak to you doc. Mine told me its not at all uncommon to feel pain a week later. One sides fine and recovered fairly fast. The other side is purple around the base still and still a bit swollen. Its the painful side. It look a bit like Picasso did mine. Surgical cuts were used. I don't know if it makes any difference but seems like the stitches on the painful side are directly over the "tubes" if that makes sense. On the less painful side the stitches are in the centre of the ball area. Looks like at least 5 stitches in each side. Done at Frimley Park under general by Dr Khan.

Had some more pain today (14 months post snip). Its does not keep me from doing ANYTHING, though sometimes it almost does. Anyway, never have that "pulling testicale feeling" but I do have a more internal ache still from time to time & today. The Urologists should at least throw out there, that in rare cases, it won't be fine after a couple of days/weeks/months. Will it get worse? Hope not. Is it bareable, yes, as long as that pulled testicale feeling never comes back. Things certainly are NOT the same after the snip as before AND, NO it's not in my head, wish it was.

I had the procedure done on Monday. My doctor used an IV to inject some fluids that made me feel fuzzy and then local anesthesia at the site. As far as feeling anything I felt a slight pinch when he cut the Vas but other than that the most hurt came from ripping the tape off my arm. The first day out I was tired and cold. Apparently I had lost more blood than was usual. (I also found out that I has 3 vas tube rather than the regular 2) there was minor soreness but the vicaden prescribed took care of that. Ice kept the swelling down though there was some and I remained flat (wife's orders) for 3 days. 5 days later the pain had gone from my lower abdomen to my testicles. It is manageable though I would recommend keeping some pain reliever on hand. There was no bruising at all which seemed to be my doctors biggest concern. All I need to do now is get the free swimming sperm out of my tubes and then I am home free. Easy procedure and best money I have ever spent.

Went under the knife yesterday. Female surgeon and 2 female assistants was a little weird at first but whatever. My doctor said to stay off my feet for 48 hrs and ice it 20 on 40 off. So thats what i am doing and after an uncomfortable night i see improvement. I am black and blue but I see it as a sign of recovery. I'm sure i could be somewhat active today but i called in the troops to help with my 4 kids while my wife goes to her baby shower for our fifth child! This is a vacation for me people. My 4 boys are 10 and under so i cant tell them the truth, so they i explained it was a minor hernia. Their faces grimaced when they found out i had some operation in that region. I almost laughed my stitch out. They feel bad for dad, bringing me stuff, asking if I am ok. Wearing a jock is uncomfortable but im wearing it until after everything is back together. Get one an extra size bigger than your waste size. I sent my wife out for a bigger one. Enjoy sitting around eating pizza watching TV and reading everyone's stories. It seems to me the majority of horror stories are from numbskulls who think they have tougher balls than the average dude or are too ADD to listen to their doctor's recommendation which is to kick up your feet and do nothing the whole weekend. We're talking about your balls here guys. It IS your manhood! So dont risk damaging it and lengthening the recovery. It is surgery after all. Follow the instructions and you can get back to your weightlifting, beer drinkin, baseball coaching, honey do list, and great sex in reasonable time. Push it and it will take longer to recover. As for me my only goal is to enjoy chillin' , knowing it will improve gradually and pass so I can get back to my old Dad self and make my tee time next week. I have a desk job so assume that will be to my advantage. Overall it hurts a bit but the procedure itself was the most painfull part - the needle prick and some kicked in the nuts sensation. I have been kicked in the nuts before. It was not as bad as that and it passes quickly. And the needle is no where near the pain of novacane shots in your mouth. Ask God to look out for you and he will. Simple.

2.5 weeks for me now and there's still a dull ache that feels like someone swinging on one ball. Tried sex and its not great. Downwards pressure on my meat equals great discomfort. I'd suggest anyone considering this speak to lots of people who have had it done and do serious research first. Seems there's research published that suggests lifelong pains or sex problems for as many as 1 in 7. Possibly more. From personal experience it seems like its fine to lie to you and downplay it as one in a hundred but the facts suggest otherwise.

I see this a very old thread but people are still replying so I thought I'd share my thoughts too.

I'm now a week in. The op was painless and didn't bother me at all. I was tender for the rest of that day as you can imagine, it's like some one has flicked you hard in the balls. On day 3 I started to improve, but now it's day 7 and the pain is just as bad as it was on day1. It's barable, but I really would rather not stand up or walk around for a long period of time, certainly don't want to be lifting weights or going running. This really bothers me as I'm normally quite an active person, 3 times a week at the gym + karate.. I am wondering how much more time I'll have to spend sitting on my ass doing nothing.

Masturbation and sex are out of the picture completely. But I suppose it has only been one week...

Just to add: It's not like I've not had my fair share of pain before either. I've had a broken foot, broken hand, and broken ribs before.

I had my Vas done on thursday today is Tuesday 4/17. I had a meeting and today was the first bad day. Surgery was quick only pain was local anestesia needle shots. friday took it easy, no ice. Saturday went out with fam. Sunday out with fam.. no heavy lifting etc. but did walk and shop.monday work, took it easy walking standing etc.

Today Tuesday in meeting sitting mostly... I feel swolen/sensitive like i got kicked in the balls.

I also went online to see some pics of normal recovery,, one side is perfect the other side has bruise marks and im surprised to see im bruised a bit on my penis at the base... I did not know that was gonna happen,, until it happened to me and I saw pics of that happening to otherguys online. I might call off work tomorrow? So,, basically It Was all good until my day 5. now Im not so happy.