Dr Gabrielle Dezanaulds

What is the Recovery Time for a Vasectomy Reversal

What is the recovery time for a vasectomy reversal? Recovery after vasectomy reversal surgery is generally rapid. Patients who choose to be ‘day-stay’ will be discharged from hospital three hours after surgery.  Those who choose an overnight hospital stay are discharged the following morning (advised if you have far to travel home).  You will be given good pain relief to help with post operative pain.  Most men return to normal non-strenuous day-to-day activities a week after vasectomy reversal and back to all normal activities within one month.

Postoperative care

Wound problems during recovery after vasectomy reversal are uncommon. There are no external stitches, dissolvable sutures are placed under the skin. You can shower and gently wash from the day after vasectomy reversals. Padding should be placed within snug fitting underwear for support for a week or so after surgery. Ice packs can also reduce swelling and discomfort.

Physical activity

Particularly to minimise the risk of an internal post operative bleed (haematoma) you are advised to be minimally physically active for a week and only return to heavy activity a month after surgery.  This does not affect the vasectomy reversal success rate but reduces the risk of a complication.

Sexual activity

Sexual intercourse should be avoided for 4 weeks after your vasectomy reversal procedure to minimise a postoperative complication.

Going back to work

Vasectomy reversal recovery is usually quick.  Most men are back to normal daily activities (non strenuous) and work a week after surgery.  If your job is physically demanding you may need more time off or to only do light duties.  Dr Dezarnaulds will guide you on your particular circumstance and will provide a medical certificate routinely.  If needed she can also provide a letter recommending light duties.

Highly qualified

  • Honours Degree in Medicine and Surgery (USyd)
  • Masters Degree in Reproductive Health and Human Genetics (USyd)
  • Certified sub-specialist in fertility microsurgery

Personal Specialist Care

  • Qualified Specialist
  • Your procedure is performed by Dr Dezarnaulds from start to finish

Vasectomy Reversal Recovery - FAQs

What are the side effects of reversing a vasectomy?

With any surgery, there is always a minor risk of bleeding and infection at the surgery site. All men will have some pain after vasectomy reversal. You will be given good pain killers to manage that. Most men only need paracetamol (Panadol) occasionally from a week after vasectomy reversal.

Can ejaculating too soon after vasectomy reversal damage it?

The two layers of microscopic sutures holding the re-joined vas deferens together are strong. The main concern with sex or ejaculation soon after a vasectomy reversal is the risk of trauma causing a bleed and haematoma near the vasectomy reversal site. To optimise your vasectomy reversal recovery Dr Dezarnaulds advises you refrain from sex for a month after surgery.

How painful is a vasectomy reversal?

A vasectomy reversal is an operation and involves incisions into your scrotum. You will have pain after a vasectomy reversal. You will be given good pain killers to manage this pain. Dr Dezarnaulds’ experience with her patients is that most only need paracetamol every now and again from a week after surgery. About one in five of her vasectomy reversal patients report taking nothing but the occasional paracetamol (Panadol) from the day after surgery.