Reverse Vasectomy Recovery

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Reverse Vasectomy Recovery

Many men get a vasectomy because they don’t want any (more) children. While a vasectomy is meant to be permanent birth control, some men reconsider over time. They may simply decide they want kids, but many get divorced and remarried and find a partner who wants kids. Or tragically, they may lose one or more children and decide they want more.

In these cases, a vasectomy reversal may be an option. Because a man is always producing sperm, fertility is possible even decades after a vasectomy. However, the longer it has been since the vasectomy, the less successful a reversal will be. Plus, each situation is different. The vas deferens is a narrow tube that can get blocked easily, making pregnancy challenging.

A reverse vasectomy is a more complicated procedure. While a vasectomy may take about 10 minutes to perform, a reversal may take several hours. That’s because the procedure is a bit more complicated. During a vasectomy, two tubes called the vas deferens are cut and sealed.  These tubes carry sperm from the testicles into the semen. During a reversal, the doctor will reconnect the vas deferens.

A vasectomy reversal often causes a lot of pain, swelling, and bruising, so be sure to follow your doctor’s orders. Here’s what you need to know about recovery.

Recovery Period

After a vasectomy reversal, you’ll need someone to drive you home, as you will be under general anesthesia. You may experience pain in the groin area for several weeks. Be sure to follow your doctor’s orders for post-operative care. Here are some general guidelines to follow so you feel better and recover quickly: 

• Apply ice on the groin area for 1-2 days to reduce swelling.
• Use over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain. If the doctor prescribed you a certain medication, take it as directed. 
• Follow your doctor’s instructions for incision care. Generally, you will wash the incision with warm, soapy water and then pat it dry.
• If you have strips of tape on the incision, leave them on until they fall off.
• Rest and limit activity.
• Avoid heavy lifting.
• Return to work in 1-2 weeks, depending on the nature of your work.
• Avoid bicycle riding, jogging, weightlifting, aerobic exercise, and other strenuous activity for four weeks.
• Wear a jock strap or tight-fitting underwear for a week or so to support your scrotum.
• If you have stitches, they should dissolve on their own within 10 days.
• Avoid sex for 3-4 weeks. Check with your doctor. 

Contact Us Today

While a vasectomy is considered a permanent form of birth control, it is easier to reverse than a tubal ligation. It can be reversed in some situations, but there are no guarantees.

Contact a New York doctor from Lazare Urology to schedule a vasectomy reversal. We’ll help you understand what to expect with this procedure. To schedule a consultation, call (718) 568-7516 or fill out the online form. We serve the Brooklyn area.