Recovery After a Vasectomy Reversal
We Only Do Vasectomy Reversals, & That Matters When it Comes to Your Recovery
Almost all men have a surprisingly quick and uneventful recovery after their vasectomy reversal at ICVR. This is because we are a full time, vas reversal only "Center of Excellence," with each doctor limiting himself to just one vas reversal a day so that they are not under pressure to rush to the next surgery nor are they fatigued from earlier cases. Our goal is to focus and give every patient the most state-of-the-art vasectomy reversal with the easiest recovery. At the time of discharge, we provide every patient a spiral bound 25-page discharge booklet of customized, personalized instructions, specific to each patient and important points about immediate, short and long term aftercare, recovery medications, lifestyle, exercise, return to work and follow-up semen analysis testing
Yes, Your Vas Reversals can be Pain Free!
As described, most men don’t even ask for a single Tylenol after their vas reversal here, though obviously there are no guarantees for an individual. Most of our patients tell us they know that they had surgery, but that if they feel anything it is usually described as a “fullness,” tightness or pressure sensation but no pain, much easier than the vasectomy itself. When the doctors come to the hotel the next morning for the “house call,” most men say that they can’t even believe that they had any surgery. Because we do many redo vas reversals on men who had their first failed vasectomy reversal elsewhere, we know that this is often not the case with many other doctors. These patients tell us that they were sent home with minimal to no discharge instructions, guidance or follow-up.
The First 3 Days After Vasectomy Reversal
It is important that each patient stay off his feet, at house arrest, for 48 to 72 hours after the vas reversal to allow the tissues to heal and minimize swelling and inflammation. This is not to the time to go shopping, sightseeing, hiking or horseback riding. If traveling in from far away, it is best to stay in the hotel, off the feet, iced up as instructed.
2 Weeks, After Vas Reversal
Once past the first 3 days, then it is usually acceptable to begin most normal “light duty” activities. Nothing strenuous is the rule for the first 14 days.
What are the limitations after a vasectomy reversal?
Regular Activities
It’s smart to avoid any extreme heavy lifting or straining for a full 3 to 4 weeks. Patients can gradually resume working out, but no core activities such as squats, crunches or leg presses. Specific instructions are customized for each patient based on what we found at surgery, what we did and any particular questions and activity. The key is to allow enough time to let the delicate tissues heal. Closely following the discharge recommendations will help to minimize any risks for any complications and ensure a rapid return to normal activity.
Sexual Activity
It is important to not have any sexual activity for 14 days after the vasectomy reversal to let the delicate connections heal and gain strength. Each patient is then encouraged to try to ejaculate once every 24 to 48 hours, when possible, to keep fluid flowing through the new connection. There is no need or benefit to flush out old sperm. The female reproductive tract will filter out any sperm that is not perfect.
Semen Analysis Test
At 4 weeks after the vas reversal, the first of many semen analysis tests are performed. It is important to follow these instructions to get the very highest vas reversal success rate. Once we receive them, the test results will be reviewed with our in-house andrologist and then with the doctors for advice and guidance to maximize sperm counts and motility.
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Contact Us at ICVR for all your questions about Vasectomy Reversals
ICVR’s team of senior professionals are available to answer any questions about our personalized, custom full time, vas reversal only practice or about precision microsurgical vasectomy reversals or aftercare. When ready to set up a no-cost, zero obligation in office or Google Meet consultation with either of our two microsurgeons, please call today to start the process.
This page was reviewed, edited and updated March 27, 2024, by Sheldon H.F. Marks, MD.