Are All Vasectomies Reversible?

A vasectomy is a form of contraception that causes permanent sterilization in a man. It is among the many contraceptive measures that people take for birth control. Urologists execute this type of surgery. The name “vasectomy” is a derivative from the name of the internal organ of a male reproductive system called “vas deferens.” This mini tube like structure is responsible for the transfer of the sperm from the testis to the penis. A vasectomy surgically blocks the transfer of sperm into the semen. The sperm, being responsible for the fertilization process in the women’s ova, is then unable to enter into the women’s ova during sexual intercourse. This prevents a man from impregnating a woman and results in permanent contraception.

Vasectomy Procedure

This is a short and easy procedure. It can normally take up to 30 minutes to perform this surgery. A urologist executes this by making small incisions in a man’s scrotum in order cut the vase differentia and seal them with heat. This creates a gap within the reproductive tube ultimately preventing the flow of sperm from the testes to the urethra inside the penis. This procedure has no effects on the man’s sexual performance. A person is able to ejaculate normally after the surgery but the sperm is not present inside the semen and this makes an individual infertile and unable to reproduce.

Are All Vasectomies Reversible?
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Are Vasectomies Reversible?

It is absolutely possible to undo a vasectomy. A vasectomy reversal is also a surgical procedure that reconnects the reproductive tubes in a man’s testes back into the urethra. There are two types of vasectomy reversal surgeries, Vasovasostomy and Vasoepididymostomy. Your urologists will decide which type of surgery to apply to you depending on various factors. The urologist can also apply a combination of both methods. This decision can mostly depend on the time interval between the vasectomy and vasectomy reversal.

Vasovasostomy

A vasectomy reversal surgical procedure in which the urologist will simply rejoin the two ends of the reproductive tube. This will preemptively work against the vasectomy’s effects and restore the fertility inside of man by making the flow of sperm into the urethra possible again.

Vasoepididymostomy

This surgery can be more complex and technically demanding for the urologist. The urologist decides to execute this when there are no traces of sperm found in the vas deferens fluid. The urologist will execute this surgery by connecting the vas deferens to the epididymis, which is a convoluted duct behind the testis responsible for the storage and flow of sperm.

How to Prepare for a Vasectomy Reversal

All the vasectomies are reversible; however, it is always advisable to keep check of a few things before you go into surgery. These include

Your Health

Any underlying conditions that you may have that can cause complications during or after surgery. It is important to notify the doctor about any health concerns you may be facing so he can decide whether it is safe for you to undergo surgery.

Sperm Analysis

It is always beneficial to have your sperm monitored by your urologist before entering into surgery. Making sure that you are still producing healthy sperm cells in numbers can determine whether the surgery will have a successful outcome.

Are All Vasectomies Reversible?
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The Fertility of Your Partner

The urologist will most likely ask whether your partner is fertile enough to reproduce. This will include running tests on your partner to see whether the vasectomy reversal is worth the effort.

Confirm the Credibility of Your Doctor

It is important to ask as much as questions as you can from your doctor. The experience and credibility of your surgeon is also a deterring factor when it comes to the success of your surgery. There is a much higher chance of success if the doctor specializes in this type of surgery. Do not be afraid to ask how frequently he performs vasectomy reversal.

Precautions after Surgery

After a vasectomy reversal, the doctor is most likely to ask you to abstain from any physical activity for at least 1 to 2 weeks. The stitches on your gonads take almost 10 days to heal and so it is important to wear some sort of protective support that relieves any stress or tension on your testicles.  It is also important to refrain from any activity that can possibly create tension of the testicles; these include running, bike riding, horse riding, heavy lifting, sexual activity, sports.

Conclusion

The procedure of vasectomy reversal is much more complicated than a vasectomy. It requires the handling of complex microscopes that magnify the tiny and sensitive parts of the reproductive organs. With the help of these microscopic instruments, vasectomy reversal is now more easily possible than ever. They magnify the tiny reproductive organs to a substantial size. This makes it easier for urologists to perform a vasectomy reversal.

Visit our clinic and meet Dr. Yaniv Larish’s for professional help, if you are in need of any consultation regarding a vasectomy or a vasectomy reversal.

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Yaniv Larish, MD

4 East 76th Street
New York, NY 10021


(646) 862-5500


What is Vasectomy Reversal?

Vasectomy surgery entails cutting the vas deferens to prevent sperm from entering the ejaculate in order to produce long term sterility. (click to enlarge)

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Vasectomy reversal micro-surgery entails reconnecting the two ends of the vas deferens utilizing a surgical microscope, micro-instruments and micro-sutures in order to allow the sperm to enter the ejaculate and regain fertility after vasectomy surgery.

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Vasectomy reversal surgeon nyc right column 03

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