Homecare Following Vasectomy Reversal
Please follow the directions below after your procedure:
- Remove all dressings from inside the athletic supporter, leaving 1-2 gauze pads for 24 hours after surgery. Continue to use scrotal support or snug underwear for 2 weeks. It is common to have a small amount of bleeding at the incision site for a few days following this surgical procedure.
- The stitches used to close your incision do not need to be remove; they will absorb on their own within two to three weeks.
- Apply ice packs to the scrotum for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off tonight and tomorrow. (A bag of frozen peas makes a great ice pack for this purpose.)
- You may shower after 48 hours but avoid vigorous scrubbing of the incision site.
- A prescription has been given to you to alleviate pain. Take this medication as directed. Two days after your surgery Extra-Strength Tylenol® (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) should be enough to relive your discomfort. These are non-prescription medications.
- A normal well-balanced diet can be resumed when you return home. Make sure to include lots of fluids.
- Normal, non-strenuous activity can be started again after 48 hours or when you feel "up to it". If any activity causes discomfort, do not continue. Wait to resume such activities as weight lifting and jogging until two weeks following surgery. Avoid bicycling or horseback riding for 6 weeks post-operatively.
- Try to stay away from work for a week. This is encouraged but is not mandatory.
- Avoid sexual intercourse for 14 days following surgery.
When to Call the Doctor After Your Vasectomy Reversal
Call the Urology Clinic at 720-848-1800 if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Unusual amount of pain
- A large swelling in the scrotum
- Redness or drainage from one or both of the incision sites.
Follow-Up After Your Vasectomy Reversal
Return for an office visit for an examination about 2 to 4 weeks following surgery and again in 4 to 6 weeks for your first post-operative semen analysis. Please call the clinical office at 720-848-1800 for an appointment time.
If you have any questions or problems, call the clinic at 720-848-1800, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
On weekends and holidays, or after hours, call the hospital operator at 720-848-0000 and ask for the Urology resident on call. Remain on the line until the resident answers. If you are unable to contact your health care provider, call the Emergency Department at 303-848-9111.