For many years, a vasectomy was truly a permanent decision. Once done, it could not be undone. When vasectomy reversal procedures were first introduced, they were not very effective. A small percentage could be undone, but most remained permanent. Now the vast majority of vasectomies can be reversed.
There are many reasons for wanting a vasectomy reversed. The most common reasons are the loss of a child or remarriage. A man and his ex wife may have made the decision to prevent future pregnancies. If the couple divorces and the man remarries, his new wife may feel differently about having babies.
Urologists generally perform this procedure. Choose your doctor as you would any other surgeon. Not all urologists have the same training and experience in this procedure. Ask about the doctor’s training and how many reversals he has performed. What is the success rate? Get a recommendation from another doctor, such as a reproductive endocrinologist.
There are a few different types of vasectomy reversal procedures. The procedure used depends on the individual case. If there is a blockage, the procedure is a bit more complex than if there is not. Prior to beginning the reversal, the doctor will take a fluid sample from the vas deferens that is closest to the testicle. If there is sperm in this fluid, a blockage is not present and microsurgical techniques will be used to reconnect the vas deferens. This procedure is between 75 and 99 percent effective.
After the surgery, the pain level is said to be about the same as a vasectomy. Within about a week of the procedure, most men are able to return to their normal routines. Heavy lifting may be restricted for about a month to give the area time to heal completely. Semen analysis will be done periodically to check for sperm.
It can take between a few months to a year or more for sperm to return to the semen. The biggest factor is the length of time between the vasectomy and the reversal. The longer it has been, the longer it may take for fertility to return. The average couple will achieve pregnancy within one year of a vasectomy reversal. In some cases, the couple will need a procedure such as artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization to achieve pregnancy.
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