A vasectomy reversal is an operation which rejoins the previously divided sperm tube. The length of time from vasectomy to reversal surgery affects the success rate. After the procedure, it may take up to four to six months for sperm to appear in the ejaculate.
Allow a total appointment time of one and a half hours.
Before Your Vasectomy Reversal
- Do not take Aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications 10 days before the operation. This will reduce the risk of bleeding and bruising post-operatively.
- Please advise your doctor if you are taking Warfarin or any blood thinner as he will need to discuss this with you.
- No fasting is required for the procedure.
- Wear a pair of supportive underpants.
- Although the effects of the local anesthetic will remain for approximately one hour after your operation, it is preferable that you arrange to have someone drive you home.
During the Procedure
- You will be asked to lie on the examination table. The procedure will be explained to you by the nurse, who will remain with you throughout the procedure.
- The procedure site may be shaved and then you will be washed with an antiseptic solution.
- Sterile drapes will be placed to guard against infection.
- A local anesthetic will be administered and an incision made in the scrotum.
- Either the right or left vas is then lifted through this opening and re-joined with the assistance of a nurse.
- Skin stitches will then be placed in the cut. These may require removal in 7 days.
After the Vasectomy Reversal
- In the event of an emergency, please contact the practice on 08 8215 9444 between 9am and 5pm or telephone your doctor after hours number 08 8378 2007.
- Go directly home and rest; elevate your feet. Plan to stay off your feet as much as you can for two days.
- Paracetamol or Paracetamol and Codeine can be taken for pain relief (2 tablets 4 hourly if required). Do not take Aspirin or products containing Aspirin.
- Apply an ice pack (or frozen peas) wrapped in a wet towel to the scrotum for 20 minutes on and 40 minutes off for the remainder of the day.
- After 48 hours local soreness is helped by resting and applying a hot pack to the area, 20 minutes on and 40 minutes off for the remainder of the day.
- Wear supportive underpants.
- Keep your wound clean and dry until the next day when you may shower, drying the wound thoroughly and carefully.
- An appointment will be made for suture removal if required.
- A sick certificate will be issued if required.
- Sexual activity may be resumed after one week if you are comfortable.
- Six weeks after your operation, a semen analysis will need to be taken to a pathology laboratory for testing. You will be given a pathology form and specimen container for your semen test. A follow-up appointment will be arranged to discuss the results of your test.
- As part of our quality programme, a courtesy call will be made to you in about two weeks’ time to assess your progress. However, if you do have a problem, please telephone us beforehand.
