Vasectomy Reversal Post-Operative Instructions
Dr. Fenig provides these general post-operative care guidelines for your comfort and easier recovery:
- Place an ice pack (a bag of frozen peas works well, too) over the scrotum on top of gauze dressing - change every 30-60 minutes until bedtime the day of the procedure.
- Keep the gauze and fluff dressing in place for one to two days. It is expected to have a small amount of blood stain the gauze dressing, so do not worry.
- Relax and rest for one to two days following your procedure. Avoid excessive walking, sitting for prolonged periods of time, and unnecessary exertion. You will recover quicker and easier if you take it easy for these days immediately post-op.
- Wear the scrotal support for at least one week following the procedure.
- Avoid exercise (no running, heavy lifting, straining, etc.) for two weeks. Avoid straddle activities like cycling, horseback riding for at least one month.
- Patients are advised to take at least one week off of work to recover. Patients may return the 2nd week after vasectomy reversal with restrictions and modified duty or work from home.
- Take the antibiotic as prescribed to help prevent infection.
- You may take the narcotic medication as prescribed for discomfort or you may take over-the-counter extra-strength Tylenol as directed. Do not take any aspirin products for two weeks following the procedure.
- You may shower in one to two days. Pat your scrotum dry - do not rub. Do not take a bath or go swimming for two weeks.
- The incisions were closed with absorbable sutures. These sutures dissolve on their own and do not need to be removed.
- Abstain from intercourse and ejaculation until your postoperative visit which is typically 3 weeks after surgery. Then, begin having frequent, regular ejaculation. This will help keep the reversal sites open and sperm traveling through the vas deferens into the ejaculate.
Following the vasectomy reversal, sperm returns to the ejaculate within two months, in most cases. However, it may take up to 12 months to obtain the best semen analysis results. Dr. Fenig recommends that you return to his office for regular follow-up appointments. Semen analyses are obtained on a regular basis until the sperm count stabilizes. For this reason, Dr. Fenig also recommends that even couples who plan to conceive in the future plan to have the vasectomy reversal procedure done in advance to ensure success when it’s time to start your family.
