Ooh la la! Don’t get too frisky too early after a vasectomy reversal. Wait at least 4 weeks. Photo by Pablo Heimplatz on Unsplash
If you’ve had a vasectomy, it’s likely because you thought you were done making babies. But life is a funny thing. Wants, needs, and conditions change over time, and what may have seemed like a no-brainer decision a few years ago may or may not align with your current dreams and goals. What if you choose to get a vasectomy, only to change your mind after the procedure?
Fear not. Vasectomies are reversible. “But Doc,” you ask, “I didn’t think I’d ever want to reverse this procedure, and now I’m not prepared! What can I expect from a reverse vasectomy?”
Well, dear reader, I’m glad you asked! Reverse vasectomies are very doable and a great option for many couples. Statistically, men report having a similar experience when compared to their original operation, so in some ways, you already know what to expect.
The Vasectomy Reversal Procedure
Vasectomy reversals are more complicated than a vasectomy, and the procedure itself can take anywhere from 2 ½ to 4 hours. The procedure is very safe, and you should be in and out of the hospital on the same day of your procedure.
Pain After Vasectomy Reversal
Swelling and tenderness following your vasectomy reversal can last up to 4 weeks, but most men are only sore for 3-5 days. What’s the pain level overall? About half of men say pain following vasectomy reversal is comparable to their vasectomy, another quarter say pain is greater, and the other quarter say it’s less painful. One way or the other, the discomfort can be mitigated by taking it easy and using prescription pills as necessary to help you through the process.
Most men can return to a normal routine with light work within a week of their vasectomy reversal. If work is strenuous, it can take a little more time, so be sure to ask your urologist when it’s safe to start working again—and expect to wear a jockstrap or other support for a few weeks.
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Sex & Romance After Vasectomy Reversal
Don’t get too sassy under the sheets for at least four weeks after your vasectomy reversal. But that doesn’t mean this time has to be a “dry spell,” romantically speaking. Instead, use this as an opportunity to hone your other, much larger sex organ: your brain.
Take this waiting period to really show your lady how much you love her by ramping up the romance: surprise her with a candlelit dinner, breakfast in bed, or a gift “just because.” What makes her feel loved and appreciated? Do that. Write her a love letter. Deliver her favorite drink or food. Snuggle with her on the couch. Cook her dinner. Look for small ways to improve her daily life. Of course, there’s no reason she can’t have any bedtime fun. And when your four weeks’ wait is up, your relationship will be stronger than ever.
Sperm Reappearance After Vasectomy Reversal
Sperm can reappear in semen as soon as four months after a vasectomy reversal, but it can sometimes take up to 18 months. The probability of success can depend on the amount of time that has passed between vasectomy and reversal. The less time that has passed between operations, the quicker semen tends to return, and the more likely pregnancy becomes.
How will you know if the vasectomy reversal was a success? Regularly testing sperm count with your urologist every two to three months is the best way to determine the effectiveness of your operation, unless of course you and your partner get pregnant during the process. If you do, you don’t need a urologist to tell you that you’re back to normal operating procedure.
Find yourself with more questions? Head over to the FAQ page for some answers. And you can always request a free consultation for more support!