After the vasectomy you should rest for 48 hours, even if you don't feel like you need to. Most men can return to work by the second or third day after the procedure. If your work involves heavy labor you should take up to a week off, but if you do light work you can get away with just a few days off. After the procedure there may be some soreness, and some men take a mild painkiller. Others report that they experience virtually no pain afterwards.