What is the vasectomy reversal process for men wishing to regain the ability to have children? Doctors recommend a vasectomy reversal if you decide to regain your fertility after a vasectomy. In this procedure, the surgeon will reattach your vas deferens tube. These tubes carry sperm to your penis while mixing the fluid with the semen. Your body stores the sperm in testicles and leaves the body along with semen when you ejaculate. However, when you undergo a vasectomy, the surgeon will cut the vas deferens tube, blocking sperm flow. After a vasectomy reversal, your sperm will mix with semen once again, which can get your partner pregnant.
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The success rate of the procedure depends on the type of procedure and the duration you remain unfertile. Many other factors influence the success rate of the procedure. For instance, sometimes, while performing the surgery, doctors notice that your body no longer produces sperm. In this condition, the doctor will attach the vas deferens with the organ behind the testicles. This procedure is vasoepididymostomy. Other factors include your age and the surgeon’s experience. Vasectomy reversal isn’t as simple as vasectomy, but it doesn’t mean that it is not possible. Many people undergo vasectomy reversal after experiencing a change of heart, loss of a child, or remarriage. Regardless of your reason for getting vasectomy reversal, you can address the condition.
What is the Procedure of Vasectomy Reversal?
Here is the complete procedure of vasectomy reversal:
Before Vasectomy
When you visit the doctor for a vasectomy reversal, they will diagnose your condition and asses your overall health. Here are some things that they will confirm:
- A professional doctor will go through your medical history. Other than that, they will perform a physical examination. They will make sure of your current health situation and check if there is any risk of further complications.
- The doctor will then check if your sperm is healthy. After a vasectomy, your body produces sperm normally. But, it doesn’t move through the vas deferens tube. However, your sperm production decreases with time. To ensure sufficient production of sperm, the doctor will run some tests.
- The doctor will also confirm if your partner is fertile. The risk of infertility develops when a woman never gives birth to a child, or she is above 40 years of age. In this condition, a gynecologist will inspect your partner’s health condition and run some tests.
During the Procedure
While performing the surgery, the doctor will make a small incision on the scrotum. That way, they can access your vas deferens. They will release the tube from tissues. After that, the doctor will open the tube and check if you are producing the fluid. This will help them understand if you will undergo vasovasostomy or vasoepididymostomy. If your sperm production is normal, the doctor will reattach the tube. However, if the tube does not contain sperm, this indicates that something is blocking the flow. That’s when they will perform vasoepididymostomy.
After the Procedure
Soon after the surgery, the doctor will add bandages to cover the incision on the scrotum. You need to apply ice on the scar for 24 to 48 hours. This will reduce the swelling. Besides that, the doctor will suggest you wear tight undergarments. Athletic support will also work. After the surgery, you may feel pain in the scrotum. But, the pain will eventually go with time. The stitches will dissolve within seven to eight days. Nevertheless, you need to ask the doctor when it is safe to remove the bandage.
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After returning home, you need to reduce your daily activities and try to avoid excessive movement of your testicles. When the effects of anesthesia wear off, you will experience some pain and swelling. You will feel better in few days. Here are some instructions from a professional doctor that you need to follow:
- You need to wear an athletic supporter for several weeks.
- Make sure that your surgery site doesn’t get wet. You need to take precautionary measures while taking a shower.
- Avoid every activity that puts pressure on your scrotum including heavy lifting, jogging, riding a bike. Take safety precautions for around eight weeks.
- You can return to your job after few days. However, if your job involves strenuous physical activity, talk to your doctor before going back to work.
- Avoid sexual intercourse unless your doctors examine your condition and give you the all-clear. Also, avoid ejaculating for two to three weeks.
Vasectomy Reversal Process: Conclusion
A few days after surgery, your doctor will evaluate you and take samples of your semen. They will check the semen under a microscope to see if it includes sperm. You need to visit the doctor for some time as they will check the sperm count in your semen. The doctor will consistently check your semen to ensure that your vasectomy reversal was a success.
If you need consultation from a highly experienced urologist who specializes in vasectomy reversals, call Dr. Yaniv Larish at 646-862-5500.
Yaniv Larish, MD
4 East 76th Street
New York, NY 10021
646-862-5500
