Vasectomy Reversal: What happens next?

Couples planning to have reversal of vasectomy are quite scared not only because of the risk but also of the frustrations that they may face if the surgery fails. It is critical that the patient understands the procedure, the techniques, the benefits, the risks, and factors affecting its success rate. Without this understanding, the patient will continue to fear the outcome of the procedure.

The reversal vasectomy procedure is a multilayer 10-0 suturing that involves the use of high-powered microscope and two techniques for reversing the process of vasectomy. This is usually performed as an outpatient surgery using local or general anesthesia. The skill and experience of the micro surgeon is a very important factor to consider when planning having a reversal vasectomy because of the suturing process.

The doctor will try to reconnect the ends of the vas deferens tubes. This will create a passageway for the sperm to travel from the epididymis to the male’s prostate glands ready to leave the body in moment of ejaculation. The suturing should completely seal off the passageway of the semen so as not to leak during sperm transport. This will establish an uninterrupted flow for the semen.

Although this is an outpatient procedure, you should not leave the hospital or clinic when the effects of the anesthesia do not wear off yet. It is advisable that a friend or a family member will fetch you at the hospital and drive you back home safely. After the procedure, while you are still resting on bed, the doctor will give you a list of instructions and prescription for pain. You need to follow the instructions for your safe and fast healing. Taking care of yourself is crucial to facilitating your healing process within the prescribed healing period.

You may experience some level of pain and discomfort within 7 days after the procedure. This is normal. The pain reliever will do the trick of easing some levels of discomfort the procedure brings to you. The doctor may prescribe you Advil or the Tylenol pain reliever to help you cope up with the pain.

For the next 7 days, the doctor will advise you to have complete bed rest. This period is critical to facilitate the healing of the sutured area. You can either lie down on your bed or buy a recliner to shift position at times while you watch television so as not to get bored. It is important that you do not take any form of strenuous exercise during the first 30 days after the surgery. You should not lift any heavy things so you don’t strain your body and use your strength for a matter of 30 days. There is absolutely no swimming during the healing period of 30 days. Do not even take a bath in your bathtub. You can start taking your shower only 48 hours after the reversal vasectomy surgery. Please do not have any sexual activities within 30 days yet. If possible, put on a jockstrap to protect your testicles during your healing period. Don’t even dare try any sort of ejaculation during this period. This will greatly affect sutured area.

After the surgery, you will notice some swelling or little bit of inflammation. This is normal. You can reduce the inflammation by putting on some ice on the area showing redness and bit of bruising on the surface. You can expect a little bleeding too. The bloody discharge is normal on the sutured area near the scrotum. This is absolutely normal. However, if the pain level continues to increase then you should consult your doctor for medication and examination.

Seomul Evans is a SEO Services consultant for Vasectomy Reversal.