Natural Remedies to Aid in Recovery after Surgery

Are you planning to have a vasectomy reversal? Vasectomies are a popular form of birth control because the surgery involved is less invasive than a tubal ligation is for a woman. Many men look at vasectomy as a way to gain control over their reproduction, but up to 10% of those men later change their minds and opt for a vasectomy reversal. If this is your decision, it’s important to choose a skilled surgeon to perform the procedure, and it’s also important to take care of yourself during your recovery period so that you can recuperate and heal.  

To understand the best practices for recovery, you should have an understanding of the vasectomy reversal procedure itself. Because a vasectomy involves severing the vas deferens, a vasectomy reversal uses microsurgical techniques to reattach it. It’s a more complicated surgery than a vasectomy, but it usually achieves good results, allowing the vas deferens to carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra. There are two types of vasectomy reversals:  

• Vasovasostomy is performed when the surgeon finds sperm in the fluid in the vas tube end nearest to the testis. In this case, the doctor re-attaches the vas deferens as before. For about 85 percent of men, this approach proves effective. 
• If there is no sperm present, a vasoepididymostomy is the other option. This is a more time consuming and complicated procedure, in which the surgeon bypasses the blockage and connects the vas deferens to the epididymis, which is located in the back of the testicles.  

Whichever procedure you undergo, you’ll need to rest in bed and apply ice packs to the testicles for the first day after your vasectomy reversal. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication and will give you specific instructions, which you should strictly follow. Your testicles will be very sensitive, and if you strain them, you could experience complications. It’s important to take it easy and avoid lifting anything heavy for a while right after your procedure, but after about four weeks you should be able to resume normal sexual activity, as long as the surgery was uncomplicated. As you recover, you might want to try some of these natural remedies to aid healing and promote fertility.  

• A male fertility diet, full of high-quality protein foods and nutrient-dense fruit and vegetables, can help reduce inflammation. It’s best to avoid foods that are known to cause inflammation, like highly-processed foods, refined flour, fried food, sugar and artificial sweeteners, alcohol, and caffeine. To help rebuild your collagen after surgery, eat foods rich in vitamin C, dark greens, papaya, oranges, kiwi, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower. 
• Consider liver cleansing herbs, which can help clear drug residues from your liver after your procedure. These herbs include milk thistle seed extract, dandelion root, and burdock root.  
• Systemic Enzyme Therapy may be helpful post-surgery. It aids in fighting inflammation and can even help normalize adhesions or scar tissue.  
• Make healthy circulation a priority, by exercising regularly as soon as your doctor allows it, and using circulation-boosting herbs like cayenne, ginger, and turmeric.  
• Think about using male fertility herbs like Ginkgo Biloba, Maca, Tribulus, and American Ginseng, to support circulation, improve energy and endurance, fight stress, and boost your libido.  

If you’re considering a vasectomy reversal in Tampa or Orlando, the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is here to help. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our caring and skilled team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other concerns about their fertility. Whether you’re ready to schedule a procedure or just have questions and want to learn more, you can contact us through our website, or call 941-894-6428 to arrange a free consultation.