Vasectomy reversal is a surgery used to undo the results of a prior vasectomy. It is most common after a man remarries or a couple loses a child. The surgery is more complicated than a vasectomy, has a longer recovery time and is only successful in approximately 50 percent of patients.
Several Days of Soreness
Vasectomy reversals are outpatient procedures but require anesthesia, so it is important that someone come along to drive you home. Plan to spend the rest of the day in bed, with ice on the scrotal area. Over the next four or five days, spend as much time as possible in bed, wear a jock strap to keep movement to a minimum and apply ice as often as possible.
One Month of Light Activity
After a few days, if you rest and follow your doctor's advice, you will probably feel more normal. It is important not to overdo it during this time. Refrain from heavy exercise, lifting and sexual intercourse or other activities that may result in ejaculation for up to a month after the reversal surgery. Discuss the exact time line with your physician. It is important to get as much rest as you can and do as little physical activity as possible during this recovery period. Overdoing now can result in an increase in the risk of developing complications and a prolonged recovery period.
Up to Two Years for Results
It takes time for sperm to return to the semen. Everyone is different, but it is rare for a pregnancy to occur within the first two months of the surgery. For many men, results take longer than that. The general range of time before you know whether the surgery was a success or failure is three to fifteen months. Some men visit their physician to have their semen checked for the presence of sperm while others wait to see if their partner becomes pregnant.
