What to Expect After a Vasectomy Reversal

After your vasectomy, you probably didn’t need much down time to recover. A vasectomy is a simple, outpatient procedure, and most men are able to go back to work about two days after they’ve had it done. But what about vasectomy reversal? While a vasectomy reversal is also an outpatient procedure, it’s much more complex. Does that make recovery more intense? Here’s what you can expect after a vasectomy reversal.

• After your surgery, expect some pain. In fact, you may have pain in your groin for one to three weeks. There may also be bruising and swelling, and you’ll need to wear tight-fitting underwear or compression shorts for about a week to support the area and prevent any stitches from coming out. Your stitches should dissolve in about seven to 10 days. Fortunately, the pain probably won’t be severe and should start to improve over the course of several days.
• Take it easy for that first week. For the first 24 hours, rest whenever you feel tired. Lie down as much as possible and remember that sleep is important for your recovery. After the first day, gradually increase your activity, walking a little bit daily and trying to go a little further each day. This is important for increasing your blood flow, and it can prevent constipation and pneumonia. Don’t do anything that could be hard on your groin, or anything that involves lifting heavy things. Don’t ride a bike, jog, do aerobic exercise, or lift weights until your doctor says it’s ok, usually anywhere from four to eight weeks after the procedure. Don’t lift anything as heavy as a milk jug, and certainly don’t lift a child. Let someone else do the driving, until your doctor gives you the go-ahead to drive again.
• Keep the area dry. You can shower, but your doctor may advise you to wear an athletic supporter when you do so. Don’t take a bath or do anything else that would get your testicles wet.
• Ask your doctor when you can resume your daily activities. If you have a desk job, you may be able to return to work as soon as one week after your surgery. However, if your job involves any kind of strenuous activity or heavy lifting, it could take a few more weeks before you’re ready to go back. Your doctor can advise you on this and will also give you instruction on when you can resume having sex. Typically, men are advised to wait at least four weeks.
• Your doctor will also give you instructions about medication and diet. IF you are prescribed pain medication, be careful to take it only as directed. If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, make sure to take the full course, and don’t stop just because you feel better. Ask for instructions about restarting any medication you had been taking before the procedure. Most of the time, you can return to your normal diet. However, if your medication is making you feel sick to your stomach, a bland diet may be best. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, unless your doctor advises you otherwise.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we are well-versed in providing effective vasectomy reversals. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.