Vasectomy Reversal: What to Expect Post-Op?

I am planning to undergo vasectomy reversal, what are the factors to consider post-operatively?

Recovery Stage

Like any surgical procedure, post vasectomy reversal patients undergo a certain recovery period. Adjacent to the operating room is the recovery room where patients are monitored intensively for post-operative complications. Patients are restrained until such time that sedatives wear off and no complications are noted.

Upon recovery, the medical institution or your infertility specialist will give detailed post-operative instructions. These instructions involve proper care and medication. Usually, anti-inflammatory medications are given as take-home meds.

Once your doctor advised you for release, have someone to drive you home. This is to prevent further trauma on the incision site while still fresh from vasectomy reversal.

Anticipated Post-Vasectomy Reversal Complications

While the risks of having post-surgical complications are generally low (less than 1%) after reversing vasectomy, post-operative pain syndrome is likely to occur due to the trauma on the incision site. Patients will experience swelling or tenderness on the scrotal area. A scrotal support is advisable to be worn one week post-vasectomy reversal to reduce discomfort within the operated area.

However anticipated, immediate consultation to your vasectomy doctor is recommended for intolerable pain and inflammation. Do not deal with the pain on your own and never self-medicate. These symptoms can rule out granuloma or hematoma formation, which are indicative signs of an unsuccessful vasectomy reversal.

Follow-up Appointment with Your Vasectomy Doctor

Normal recovery usually takes within a week, or less. When no further complications are noted, it is ideal to visit your vasectomy doctor two to three weeks after reversing vasectomy. This is generally advisable to all surgical patients as well.

Resuming Sex After Vasectomy Reversal

Avoid having sexual contact for at least three weeks after reversing vasectomy. Abstinence from sex may seem odd after deciding for a vasectomy reversal but it is also likely that post-op patients will have lesser sexual drive during the recovery stage. Due to the enduring swelling and irritation within the scrotal area, patients might wait until total recovery.

Expecting Pregnancy After Vasectomy Reversal

Although reversing vasectomy is a success, there are still several factors that affect pregnancy. Overall health of both partners is subject for a successful pregnancy. For men, the time that has elapsed from vasectomy and vasectomy reversal affects the chance of getting the sexual partner pregnant. The controversy still lingers that Anti-Sperm Antibodies (ASA) are produced after vasectomy and vasectomy reversal. For women, the most significant factor to affect pregnancy is the age. A gradual decrease in female fertility starts at the age of 30. If one of you are having fertility issues, better yet consult your infertility specialist.
Keeping Fertility After Vasectomy Reversal

After reversing vasectomy, there are measures that have to be strictly followed so as to increase fertility. As fatherhood is concerned, consider abiding to these measures as your major and foremost responsibility.

* Eat Healthy Foods
* Abstain from Alcohol Intake
* Stop Tobacco Smoking
* Avoid Exposure to High Dose Radiation
* Drink More Water, Fruit, and Vegetable Juices
* Avoid Heat Exposure to the Testicular Area
* Take Vitamins, as prescribed
* Avoid Strenuous Activities

Wait Until Successful Pregnancy

If you have been obedient to the measures for increasing fertility, the last part of your pregnancy planning is to WAIT. The ability of your body to produce sperm again will not occur right after a vasectomy reversal. It usually takes up to six months following a vasovasostomy and up to 18 months after an epididymostomy. Give it time to conceive and have a regular visit to your infertility specialist.

Seomul Evans is a Website Marketing consultant for Vasectomy Reversal