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.

Getting Pregnant After a Vasectomy Reversal

While vasectomies have long been considered a permanent form of birth control, today’s advances in microsurgical techniques have made it possible to successfully reverse a vasectomy. Typically, you will be able to conceive a child after vasectomy reversal: studies indicate that about 75 percent of men who have undergone vasectomy reversal can conceive naturally. However, the process can take time. Here are some factors that come into play when you are trying to get pregnant after having a vasectomy reversed.

• The type of vasectomy reversal impacts the length of time it takes to conceive. The simpler form of reversal is called a vasovasostomy, and men who have this kind of procedure should have sperm present in the ejaculate after about three months. The more complicated type of procedure, a vasoepididymostomy, is done when there is a blockage in the epididymis, close to the testicle. After this kind of procedure, it can take six to 12 months for the ejaculate to contain sperm.
• It takes some time for sperm count to build back up to the right levels for conception. Just because sperm is present in the ejaculate, it does not necessarily mean there is a normal sperm count. It takes time for sperm to normalize, and it can be several months before the sperm count is high enough for conception. Once it is, it can still take several months for a couple to conceive.
• The amount of time since the vasectomy affects the success of the reversal. Typically, the longer it has been, the more difficult it will be to conceive. The highest rates of success are usually seen within five years of the procedure, and after 10 years, pressure can cause a blockage that will mean the surgeon must perform a difficult procedure, known as a vas-to-epididymis reconstruction, which can reduce the success rate for conception.
• Both paternal and maternal age come into play when trying to conceive after a vasectomy reversal. In women over thirty-five years of age, hormone and ovulation cycles are more difficult to predict, and this increases the difficulty of conception. For men over fifty, sperm quality or concentration can decrease, increasing the amount of time needed to conceive. In some cases, an alternative method of conception, such as in vitro fertilization, may be recommended to help increase the chances of conception.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we are well-versed in providing effective vasectomy reversal. 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.

What to Expect after your Vasectomy Reversal

If you’re preparing for a vasectomy reversal, you’ve already been through the experience of undergoing a vasectomy. Thinking about the recovery period after that procedure can give you a reasonably accurate idea of the discomfort you’ll have after your vasectomy reversal. Fortunately, the recovery period for this minimally invasive procedure is brief.

We perform each vasectomy reversal as an outpatient procedure, at an accredited Surgery Center with a Board-Certified anesthesiologist. You’ll go home shortly after your procedure, but you’ll need someone to drive you because of the after-effects of the anesthesia. Because you’ve been anesthetized, you may experience generalized aches, fatigue, a sore throat, or nausea, but these symptoms should go away within 24 hours.

For many men, the discomfort after a vasectomy reversal is not as bad as they’d expected it to be. The day after surgery is usually the worst in terms of pain and swelling, and that’s also when your doctor will remove your drains. Most of the time, the pain only lasts for 24-48 hours, although in some cases, men report pain for up to a week. This pain can be alleviated with oral pain relievers, and ice packs will help reduce scrotal swelling. It’s best to stay off your feet and keep your legs elevated in these first few days, applying the ice packs for 10 minutes every half hour while you’re awake. Don’t get the incision wet for the first 48 hours, and follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions carefully. It’s important to wear snug scrotal support for 30 days after your procedure, to keep pressure off of the incision.

It surprises many men to learn that they can go back to work within a week and, in some cases, as few as two days. If your job is extremely active or requires heavy lifting, you may need to take a little longer before heading back. You won’t be ready for intense physical activity just yet, though you’ll be able to resume most of your normal activities in three to four weeks. You’ll need to refrain from sexual activity for at least three weeks after the procedure, but this probably won’t be difficult because of your discomfort during the healing process.

About three weeks after your vasectomy reversal, you’ll be asked to provide a semen sample for analysis. While the return of sperm to semen does not guarantee conception, it’s still good news that vasectomy reversals have a high success rate for returning sperm. Additionally, success in achieving pregnancy after the procedure ranges from about 40 to over 90 percent.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we pride ourselves on providing optimal surgical results and 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 for a free consultation.

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.  

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. 

Caring for Yourself at Home After Your Vasectomy Reversal

Vasectomy reversals are generally well-tolerated procedures. In most cases, patients return home on the same day as their surgeries and recover over the course of the next few weeks. Before you leave the surgery center, you will receive detailed instructions on how to care for yourself at home and avoid complications. Here is what you need to know.  

Anesthesia Recovery 

Before your surgery, your doctor will decide what kind of anesthesia is right for you. Some patients have the procedure using local anesthesia or a spinal block along with a sedative to prevent them from moving during the surgery. Others undergo vasectomy reversals with general anesthesia. After the procedure, you may still feel some of the effects of the anesthesia when you leave the surgery center, including numbness, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. This is normal and will gradually ease. Most people feel like they have fully recovered from anesthesia after 24 hours.  

Surgical Site Care 

After the surgery, you will have two small drains in your scrotum. These will be removed the day after the surgery. You will need to wear supportive underwear or an athletic supporter continuously for about a month after your surgery, which will give you the appropriate amount of support as you heal. The incision itself should heal within about two weeks, and the stitches will be absorbed, so they do not need to be removed.  

Return to Normal Activities 

Most people are able to return to work within a week of their surgeries, but it is recommended that you refrain from heavy lifting or sexual intercourse for about four weeks after your procedure. Most men say that the recovery process from their vasectomy reversals is similar to the recovery from their original vasectomy procedures.  

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, our team will support you both before and after your surgery, so you have the healthiest, most comfortable recovery possible. Are you considering a vasectomy reversal? Call Dr. Green in Sarasota at (941) 894-6428.  

At-Home Recovery Tips After a Vasectomy Reversal

The recovery from a vasectomy reversal is smooth and easy in the vast majority of cases. Before you leave the surgical center, Dr. Green will explain what you should expect and how you should care for yourself as you recover. Most vasectomy reversals are performed on an outpatient basis, so you will likely not need to spend the night in the hospital. Here are some tips for caring for yourself at home after your surgery.  

Pain Management 

Vasectomy reversal procedures typically do not cause intense post-surgical pain, but many men do report experiencing minor discomfort for a few days after the procedure. Dr. Green will advise you if you should use over-the-counter pain medications to alleviate any discomfort, or he will prescribe pain medication for you. On the day of the procedure, you should use ice packs, keeping them on for 20 minutes, and then removing them for 20 minutes before putting them on again. This will help to control swelling and will help with pain as well.   

Rest 

You should rest as much as possible for the first 24 hours after surgery. Dr. Green will remove your drains the day after surgery and tell you if you’re ready to start moving around again. When you’ve been advised that it is safe, you can start walking around for short distances, slowly increasing your distance with each walk. Avoid strenuous activity for at least four weeks. Generally, most men are able to return to work one week after the surgery. 

Diet 

Most men can eat a normal diet after surgery. If you are on pain medication and experiencing stomach discomfort, try eating a bland diet to ease your indigestion. You should also drink plenty of water and stay well hydrated throughout your recovery.  

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we’re committed to supporting patients before and after their procedures. We also work with men coming from out of town to our surgical center and ensure that they have the support they need even when they return home. To find out more about vasectomy reversal surgery in Sarasota, call (941) 894-6428.  

Questions to Ask During Your Post-Vasectomy Reversal Checkup