You can expect your recovery from a vasectomy reversal procedure to be different than that following your original vasectomy. This is because a reversal involves a more complicated and lengthy microsurgery.

So, compared to your previous experience, you can expect a slightly longer period of discomfort and recovery following surgery. In general, signs and symptoms tend to be mild and disappear within a brief period of time.

Because of the length of time required for the surgery, a general anesthesia is often preferred. The procedure may take as little as two hours but may take over 6 hours depending on the complexity of the surgery required with additional time of two or three hours in the outpatient area.

Your physician may provide a mild sedative in advance of the surgery. However, the surgery itself - done under local, regional or general anesthesia - is typically a painless process.

Getting home.

Following the surgery, your doctor will determine when you are ready to travel. There is no way to speed up the process. And remember, it is advisable not to drive yourself home, so arrange for transportation in advance. Then, go directly home to rest.

You can expect to wear a snug scrotal support garment or jock strap immediately after the surgery and for one to three weeks thereafter. Wear or bring these with you to your appointment.

Your doctor will advise you of appropriate use of pain relievers and/or antibiotics, if necessary. Do exactly as your doctor prescribes.

Before you are discharged, read your doctor's written instructions and review them with your spouse. Ask any questions you may have with your doctor. Here are some general guidelines to follow for making your recovery as uneventful and comfortable as possible.

Beginning Your Recovery.

At home, elevate your legs, stay off your feet, and use ice packs liberally to soothe the scrotal area during the first couple of days to help minimize any swelling. The discomfort following surgery can include slight swelling, bruising or discoloration in the scrotal area due to the surgery itself. In addition, the anesthesia and surgery could leave you with a headache, body ache, nausea and other symptoms that usually diminish in the first few days.

Contact your doctor immediately if, in the first day or two following surgery, you experience any sudden fever, chills, increasing pain or swelling or drainage, which may be signs of infection.

The First Few Days.

You may be able to resume taking showers a day or two after surgery, and you should take advantage of the soothing comfort this can provide. However, do not take tub baths or submerge your body for at least 48 hours after surgery. This could expose your incision to bacteria and the risk of infection. (A warm 20-minute baths can be beneficial after a few days.)

Although you can expect some discomfort at first, lasting or significant pain is usually rare. However, don't try to "tough it out" when it comes to postoperative pain. Let your doctor know if you experience a steady increase in discomfort, so you can receive the right prescription or nonprescription medication.

The First Few Weeks after Surgery

Your ability to undertake routine activities, even normally strenuous ones, will gradually return - typically in about four or five weeks as indicated by your physician.

You should not consider, and probably won't feel like, resuming sexual intercourse too soon after surgery. It's probably advisable to wait at least three weeks following surgery. Sperm may not reappear, however, for several months. Your doctor will schedule a semen analysis, typically, in one to two months and periodically thereafter.

The sperm count and motility (movement) may not return to a normal range for three to six months. On the other hand, even with a reduced sperm count and poor motility, it is possible for pregnancy to occur within this time.

Pregnancy After Reversal

The ultimate test for a successful reversal is for a couple to achieve conception. Typically, conception is likely within 12 to 24 months following reversal surgery. However, a pregnancy could result within one month or it may be several years.

In Summary:

• Compared to your earlier vasectomy experience, a reversal usually produces a slightly longer period of discomfort and recovery.
• The procedure can require several hours, usually with a general anesthesia.
• Some discomfort is to be expected, but most signs and symptoms diminish within the first few days.
• You can expect a gradual return to normal activities, typically within four or five weeks as indicated by your doctor.
• A successful reversal can lead to conception, typically, within 12 to 24 months.
• The body continues to produce hormones.
• Male characteristics (voice, beard) are not affected.