A vasectomy reversal is a type of surgery to reconnect the vas deferens, which were previously cut or blocked during a vasectomy. The vas deferens are the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra.
During a vasectomy surgery, these tubes are cut or sealed to prevent the sperm from mixing with semen to prevent pregnancy. However, in some cases, some people may opt for a vasectomy reversal if they decide they want to father children again in the future.
There are two basic surgical methods for reversal either make an incision in the scrotum to expose the vas deferens and reconnect cut ends (vasovasostomy) or establish new connections between the vas deferens from one end to other point (vasoepididymostomy). The surgeon uses one of these methods on the basis of such factors as the length of time since he had his vasectomy, the presence of scar tissue in his scrotum, and, most importantly, the condition of the vas deferens.
Some of the reasons to opt for a vasectomy reversal include
- Loss of a child
- Changing family plans
- Starting fresh with a new partner
- Want to restore fertility
- To treat testicular pain after vasectomy
How Long After a Vasectomy Can Be Reversed?
Vasectomy can be reversed even for a very long period of time, sometimes after more than 25 years. Sperms are constantly being produced in men; even after a long time from a vasectomy, there should be viable sperm. However, the success rate of the reversal, in terms of achieving a pregnancy, depends on many factors, including the experience of the healthcare provider who is performing the surgery, the age of the partner, fertility status, the location of your blockages, and the length of time since the vasectomy.Who is an Ideal Candidate for Vasectomy Reversal?
Vasectomies can be reversed even up to 20 years or more after the initial procedure. However, it’s important to remember that the longer one waits to reverse a vasectomy, the lower the likelihood of successful conception following the procedure.
If your partner has undergone a tubal ligation, opting for a vasectomy reversal will not improve the chances of achieving pregnancy with your partner. In such cases, it’s advisable to consult with your healthcare provider regarding alternative fertility options such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and sperm aspiration. These discussions with your doctor can help you to choose the most suitable path toward your family planning goals.
Are There Any Risks of Vasectomy Reversal?
While vasectomies are generally reversible, success in conceiving a child is not guaranteed. Even if several years have elapsed since the original vasectomy, a vasectomy reversal can still be attempted. However, it’s important to note that the longer it has been since the vasectomy, the lower the likelihood of success with the reversal procedure.
Although vasectomy reversal carries a low risk of serious complications, there are potential risks to consider:
- Infection at the incision site or within the reproductive organs.
- Bleeding during or after the surgery is possible, although it’s usually minimal.
- Hematoma refers to the collection of blood outside blood vessels, which can cause swelling and discomfort.
- Fluid buildup may occur in the scrotum, which can lead to swelling and discomfort.
- Chronic pain in the testicles after the vasectomy reversal surgery.
How is Vasectomy Reversal Procedure Done?
Here are the procedure steps of the vasectomy reversal surgery:
1. Anesthesia: The surgery is often performed as an outpatient procedure and can last between 30 to 60 minutes. Anesthesia options can include local anesthesia to numb the scrotal area or general anesthesia to keep the patient unconscious throughout the surgery.
2. Types of Surgical Methods: The surgeon can employ one or both of the following techniques:
- Vasovasostomy: This method involves reconnecting the two ends of the vas deferens that were previously separated during the vasectomy.
- Vasoepididymostomy: In cases where scar tissue obstructs sperm flow or a standard vasovasostomy is not feasible, the surgeon may stitch the vas deferens directly to the epididymis.
3. Procedure Steps:
- The surgeon makes an incision in the scrotum to access the vas deferens.
- After opening the vas deferens, the surgeon examines the fluid within the tube. If sperm are present, a vasovasostomy is performed. Alternatively, if sperm are absent or the fluid is abnormal, a vasoepididymostomy is conducted.
- Following the procedure, the incision is closed with stitches or sutures, and the scrotum may be bandaged to control bleeding.
4. Post-operative Care: Patients may experience a longer recovery period compared to a vasectomy due to the intricacies of reattaching the vas deferens ends. Following the post-operative guidelines given by the healthcare provider is important for healing and achieving good results.
The Takeaway
While vasectomy reversals can be performed successfully many years after the initial procedure, the chances of achieving conception gradually decrease over time. Although some studies suggest reversals can be effective even after 20 years or longer, a person’s circumstances vary, and success rates may depend on factors such as age, partner’s age, fertility, partner’s fertility, sperm blockage, and experience of the surgeon who is performing the reversal.
In addition, recovery is variable and can take anywhere from 5 to 14 days. It is recommended to avoid heavy lifting and sexual intercourse during the first four weeks after the vasectomy reversal surgery.
