Undergoing a vasectomy is a significant decision for many men. It’s a surgical procedure used for permanent contraception by cutting or blocking the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra. While the procedure is generally safe and straightforward, there are important considerations for recovery, particularly concerning when to resume physical activities, including exercise.

Returning to exercise too soon after a vasectomy can potentially lead to complications or discomfort, while waiting too long may unnecessarily prolong the recovery process. Therefore, understanding the optimal timing for resuming physical activities is crucial for a smooth recovery and overall well-being.

For the basics of recovery, see our general recovery recommendations. A summary of the activity recommendations are as follows:

• On the day of the vasectomy, following the procedure, we recommend relaxing in bed or on the couch (we’ll call this “Day zero”). It’s fine to do a full workout on the same day as the vasectomy, prior to your appointment.
• The day following the procedure (Day 1): You may walk and drive as much as you like, but no sports, yard work, swimming, or heavy lifting. If your job is sedentary (like office work), you may return to work.
• Second day following the procedure (Day 2): You may return to more strenuous work and exercise. When the discomfort is resolved, you can return to normal activity and exercise. This is generally within 3-4 days.

For returning to athletic activities, like biking, running or gym workouts, the quickest recovery regimen I recommend is as follows. If you’d like to take more time than this, that’s fine, of course. I recommend compression briefs during all physical activities for the first week.

• On Day 3, if you’re having little or no discomfort (this is the case for about 50% of patients), try a light workout.  For a cyclist, this may be 20-30 minutes spinning on a trainer.  For a runner, this would be a 20-30 minute vigorous walk or light run on flat ground. In the gym, this would be 20-30 minutes of light weights (upper or lower body). If you have increasing pain at any point, then back off or stop and try again the next day. 
• On Day 4, if you’re not feeling any pain, increase this to a moderate workout, perhaps halfway to the full workout you would usually do.
• On Day 5, if you’re still not feeling any discomfort, you can return to a full workout. 

Consider rest days anywhere in that mix, of course.