Understand what is vasectomy and vasectomy reversal in this guide.
If you have gone through a vasectomy procedure or planning for one here is what you need to know about vasectomy and vasectomy reversal.
What is Vasectomy?
To prevent pregnancy when having sex with female partners, surgery is performed. This surgery is done by cutting and sealing the tubes that carry sperm. For the two tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis, the surgeon cut and block them. This surgery is called vasectomy.
Vasectomy Reversal
To reconnect the vas deferens after a previous vasectomy a surgery is done called vasectomy reversal. Approximately 30,000 men each year change their minds and wish to become fathers then they go through vasectomy reversal.
Is Vasectomy reversal effective?
The success rate of vasectomy reversal is seen as 80-90%. Although it does not guarantee pregnancy many couples conceive naturally after vasectomy reversal. All you need to do is find yourself an experienced microsurgeon.
Procedure of Vasectomy Reversal
Before going to surgery your healthcare provider may ask you different questions. Questions like:
- Why do you want vasectomy reversal?
- When do you have your vasectomy surgery?
- Are you taking any medications?
- Any previous surgery before vasectomy, especially related to your reproductive system?
- Have any fertility tests done before?
Questions you may ask your healthcare provider before surgery:
- How much vasectomy reversal procedure experience do you have?
- What are the precautions I must take before or after surgery?
- When can I get involved in normal practices, exercise and sexual activity?
- What are the risks associated with anaesthesia you will use?
How Can You Prepare for Vasectomy Reversal?
Your surgeon will suggest some things to do before vasectomy reversal surgery such as:
- They may ask to shave the hair from your entire scrotum.
- Shave the area the night before or the morning of the procedure
- Do not use an electric razor.
- Wash your scrotum or groin thoroughly to avoid the risk of infection.
What Happens During a Vasectomy Reversal Surgery?
Your surgeon will give you anaesthesia so that you don’t feel pain. They may give you general or local anaesthesia. General anaesthesia so that you can sleep during the procedure or local anaesthesia so that a small area of your body gets numb.
Once the anaesthesia works and you fall asleep or numb, your healthcare provider will make a small incision in your scrotum, more often in the same place as your vasectomy scar.
Then your surgeon will locate the ends of your vas deferens and identify the blocked areas or the vasectomy site.
Through the incision, they will pull both ends of your vas deferens. Then, remove the scar tissue or blockages, leaving two cut ends of your vas deferens. To make sure sperm is present, they will look at the fluid coming from the testicle. The surgeon will line up the two cut ends of your vas deferens and under a microscope they will sew them together. This will be done when they will get to know that sperm is present. If not, then they will do a more complicated operation where the vas deferens will attach to a structure on top of the testicle that stores sperm called epididymis. After that, the surgeon will close the incision with stitches.
The vasectomy reversal surgery may take four hours. In most cases, patients were allowed to go home the same day after surgery.After Vasectomy Reversal Surgery
When your vasectomy reversal surgery is complete, your surgeon will cover the stitches with bandages. Your anaesthesia supply will be stopped.
To wait for you to wake up and monitor your health, surgeons will move to the recovery room. Once your surgeon realises that you don’t need monitoring they will discharge you.
Use ice packs randomly for at least 24 hours after a vasectomy reversal.
Benefits of a Vasectomy Reversal
- Recovery after vasectomy reversal is similar to recovery after vasectomy.
- Low risk of complications or side effects.
- No need for additional fertility surgeries.
- Affordable.
Risks of Vasectomy Reversal
- Healing problems
- Risk related to anaesthesia
- Swelling
- Pain
Recovery time after Vasectomy Surgery
Not everyone is the same and so is their recovery time. Recovery time varies from person to person. Understand the recovery time after vasectomy reversal surgery:
Immediate Post-operative Period: First Few Days
Some pain, swelling and bruising can be expected in the scrotum. You can manage this discomfort with prescribed medications and pain relievers only prescribed by your specialist.
Take a proper rest and avoid hard activities. To promote healing avoid sexual activities and hard exercises.
Do not miss appointments. Your surgeon will fix some appointments within one or two weeks of your vasectomy reversal to check recovery progress.
Short-term Recovery: First 1-2 Weeks
Peak swelling and bruising will be seen within the first few days, it will gradually become calmer. Wear supportive underwear to reduce discomfort and support healing.
Keep the incision site clean and dry. Follow the surgeon’s instructions in case of infection or wound. Light walking and exercises are acceptable but do not start doing heavy workouts or hard exercises.Intermediate Recovery: 3-6 Weeks
You can start involving in light workouts but not hard exercises. Sexual activities can be resumed after 4-5 weeks, prefer the doctor’s advice for this.
Long-term Recovery: 6 Weeks to Several Months
After a vasectomy reversal, it may take several months for sperm to appear in your semen. Your healthcare provider will advise you accordingly.
Conclusion
As mentioned above vasectomy reversal can be done even after 10 years. Consult a highly professional microsurgeon. Just like vasectomy surgery your vasectomy reversal surgery can be a success too. Contact a professional and if you are looking for someone then we can recommend Chermside Specialists. They will guide you and clear all your doubts.
