When to Call Your Doctor About Post-Operative Swelling

Swelling is among the most common side effects for patients who have undergone any type of surgery, including vasectomy reversals. If you ever have any questions or concerns following an operation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the doctor. You should also carefully review your discharge information and follow the instructions listed there. 

What to Expect 

You should expect to experience some scrotal swelling after your surgery. The area will also look bruised and be uncomfortable. It shouldn’t be painful as long as you’re taking your medications as prescribed. The degree of swelling can vary from one patient to the next. Some might notice a great deal of swelling, while others only have a little. 

How Long It Will Last 

The swelling and other post-operative side effects will be most noticeable during the first week. By the end of that week, you should notice a gradual decline in the amount of swelling. Some minor swelling may linger for an additional one to two weeks. By the end of the third week, the swelling should have been resolved. 

When to Worry 

Generally, swelling is not a red flag unless it’s excessive or it’s accompanied by severe, worsening pain. However, you can always call the doctor if you’re unsure of whether your swelling is a sign of a complication. It’s uncommon, but possible, for men to experience a hematoma after a vasectomy reversal. A hematoma is a collection of pooling blood that occurs when a blood vessel ruptures. You should seek a doctor’s care if you suspect you might have a hematoma. You should also call your doctor if your pain is not well–managed. 

What to Do 

Following your discharge instructions will help you manage the post-operative swelling and other side effects. Keep an ice pack on the scrotal area for 20 minutes at a time. Get plenty of rest, especially during the first day or two. Avoid vigorous physical activity for two weeks. And don’t forget to wear your scrotal support! 

The Center for Vasectomy Reversal provides extensive pre-operative and post-operative support for our patients. Dr. Joshua Green is always responsive to his patients, and each patient receives his personal cell phone number. If you have questions about your vasectomy reversal in Sarasota, give us a call at (941) 894-6428. 

What Are Options for Having a Baby Without Getting a Vasectomy Reversal?

Vasectomy reversals have a high success rate. Most men who undergo vasectomy reversals will once again have sperm present in the ejaculate, although it can take months before they will test positive. Unfortunately, there can sometimes be complications, such as blockages. If the reconnection of the vas deferens is unlikely to result in the presence of sperm in the ejaculate, the vasectomy reversal surgeon may perform a microepididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) procedure. 

The MESA technique involves the removal of sperm directly from the epididymis. The sperm can then be used in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. Depending on factors pertaining to female fertility, the sperm might be used in an intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedure. In this case, it would be injected into the womb while the female partner is ovulating. Or, the sperm can be used in an intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedure, in which the sperm is directly injected into the eggs. 

Dr. Green specializes in vasectomy reversals and MESA procedures. To discuss your options for starting a family, call Dr. Green in Sarasota at (941) 894-6428 and schedule a consult at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal. 

What to Expect in Your First Few Days with a New Baby 

If your little miracle is the result of a vasectomy reversal, then there’s a good chance you’ve been planning and preparing for your newborn for quite a few months. By now, you should already have plenty of supplies on hand, from diapers and rash cream to baby monitors and thermometers. If you do find yourself short on a few items, consider asking family or friends to make a run to the supermarket for you. You’ll want to spend your time getting to know your new baby. 

When you watch this video, you’ll hear about how important it is for fathers to share in the baby care responsibilities. You should also have reasonable expectations for bringing your new baby home. For example, you shouldn’t expect to sleep through the night for a while. Instead, focus on bonding with your baby. 

Here at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we’re proud of all of the little miracles we’ve helped to make possible. If you’ve been struggling with vasectomy-induced male infertility, call Dr. Joshua Green at (941) 894-6428 and request an appointment at our vasectomy reversal clinic in Sarasota. 

Common Reasons that Men Change Their Minds About Their Vasectomies

There are plenty of options for birth control, but few of them are permanent. Men may decide to get a vasectomy if they think they’re all done having children, or if they think they never want to have kids. But quite often, guys change their minds. If you’ve been thinking about getting a vasectomy reversal, you’re not alone. Plenty of other men have gone back to the surgeon’s office after changing their mind about having children. 

Realizing They Aren’t Done Having Kids 

Many men who undergo vasectomy reversals have already had one or more children. When the kids are young and demand a great deal of time and attention, it can be easy to decide that you’ve had enough children. But as the kids grow up and empty nest syndrome sets in, many couples decide they want another chance at parenthood. There are lots of advantages to being an older father. Older dads have more wisdom to pass down. They also have the patience that comes from personally experiencing sleepless nights with an infant and long waits in doctors’ offices with sick kids. 

Divorcing and Finding Love Again 

Divorce is often perceived as a failure, but perhaps it shouldn’t be. Rather, it’s a chance to start over and an opportunity to find love again. Some men who have previously had a vasectomy later get divorced. When they find a new partner, they might want to have children together. 

Suffering from Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome 

Vasectomies are routine procedures and serious complications aren’t common. But some men develop post-vasectomy pain syndrome (PVPS). PVPS can be chronic and it may be debilitating for some men. A vasectomy doesn’t stop sperm production; it only stops the release of sperm into the ejaculate. It’s thought that PVPS develops as a result of the accumulation of sperm, which exerts pressure on the vas deferens. One way to address PVPS symptoms is to get a vasectomy reversal. 

If you’ve changed your mind about your vasectomy, the Center for Vasectomy Reversal invites you to consult Dr. Joshua Green. He is a leading vasectomy reversal surgeon in Sarasota who specializes in male infertility procedures. Call (941) 894-6428. Out-of-towners are welcome.