 This fact sheet is available as a print friendly pdf in: English |
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About the reversal
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A nurse will do your reversal. You will be awake, but you will be given a local anaesthetic to make the area numb. The reversal will take 20 to 30 minutes. Afterwards, you will stay at the clinic for another 30 minutes to recover, and then you can go home. It is a good idea to have someone stay with you and take you home afterwards.
We can do the reversal even if you have your period.
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After the reversal
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Your body will feel different after a reversal. For example:
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- When you pass urine it will pass faster and stronger. It will also be noisier.
- Your period flow will be heavier and more intense. You will also have less pain and fewer clots.
- Sex will be less painful and your vagina will feel looser due to wider vaginal entrance.
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Call the hospital
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It is important that your contact the hospital if any of the following happens:
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- you are concerned about the amount of bleeding
- you can’t pass urine
- you have pain from your stitches which is getting worse
- you have a fever, chills or a general feeling of being unwell
- you have a vaginal discharge which has a bad odour.
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Call the Women’s Emergency Care Centre on (03) 8345 3636.
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Looking after yourself
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You may feel sore after the reversal. You may have swelling and feel uncomfortable when you go to the toilet. You may also have slight burning for a few days, this is normal.
Here are some ideas on how to ease your discomfort and look after your stitches.
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- Use ice packs regularly on the first day, this will help the swelling to go.
- Warm salt baths can be soothing.
- Change your pads often.
- After your shower or bath, gently pat the area dry with a clean towel to prevent infection.
- Keep a jug of clean water next to the toilet at home. After using the toilet, wash down the area and pat dry.
- Your stitches will dissolve on their own and disappear over time.
- You will need to rest for five to seven days until you have fully recovered. Avoid heavy housework.
- You can start having sex again after three weeks or when you feel comfortable.
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Follow-up
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We will see you again in four week’s time. This is to make sure you are healing well. An appointment will be made before you go home.
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If you have any questions or concerns when you go home, please contact the Women's health nurses.
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Clinic contact details
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The Well Women’s health nurses are available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Tel: (03) 8345 3045 or 1800 442 007 (country callers)
Email: whic@thewomens.org.au
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The FARREP workers are available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Tel: (03) 8345 3058
Email: farrep.program@thewomens.org.au
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Fax: (03) 8345 3053
You can also contact the FARREP worker in your local community health centre.
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Disclaimer
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The Royal Women’s Hospital does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or use of such information or advice) which is provided in this fact sheet or incorporated into it by reference. We provide this information on the understanding that all persons accessing it take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy. Women are encouraged to discuss their health needs with a health practitioner. If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your health care provider or if you require urgent care you should go to the nearest Emergency Dept.
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Published October 2010. Updated July 2011
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