Your surgeon most likely gave you instructions on how to handle any complications and discomfort that you might experience after your vasectomy reversal. His guidelines are general and you should contact him if you are concerned about anything. Most people having this type of surgery can anticipate a 4-week recovery period and the discomfort will dissipate as time goes by after the surgery is performed. You will spend a few hours in the recovery room after surgery and your doctor will make the final decision on when you can be released. For safety reasons, you will need to have someone available to drive you safely home.

Once you are home, you will need to take it easy and stay on bed rest for at least 24 hours. You might be advised to use ice packs on your scrotal area for at least a couple of days to decrease swelling in that area and to eliminate some of your pain. Strenuous and limited activities will be off-limits for a few days and you absolutely must not lift heavy objects for at least three weeks. Your surgeon will also recommend that you refrain from sexual activity involving ejaculation for approximately 30 days. And, he will ask you to return for a follow-up appointment within the first month following surgery. You probably will be asked to provide a semen sample so that the number of active sperm can be evaluated.

The vasectomy reversal recovery period might seem long to some people but most of them gladly deal with any discomfort. They feel it’s worth it in order to get the child they have waited so long for. The first few days are the most challenging and complications are rare for this routine and much sought-after surgery.