Vasectomy Reversal

Overview

A surgical technique known as a vasectomy reversal (vasovasostomy) reverses the effects of a vasectomy. A vasectomy reversal is a surgical procedure aimed at enabling the passage of sperm into your semen, thus restoring the potential for pregnancy. The success rate of a vasectomy reversal varies depending on the duration since your initial vasectomy.

A vasectomy is a procedure used to prevent pregnancy in men and those who were Assigned Male at Birth (AMAB). It entails obstructing the tubes (vas deferens) that allow sperm cells to enter semen. Male and those who AMAB reproductive cells are called sperm cells. Your doctor will cut and block your vas deferens during a vasectomy.

Your doctor will remove scar tissue from both ends of your vas deferens during a vasectomy reversal. After that, they will sew the tube’s two ends together. If this isn’t feasible in some circumstances, your doctor will sew the vas deferens to the epididymis.

Reasons for undergoing the procedure

For a variety of reasons, you could choose to have your vasectomy reversed if you’ve had one, such as:

• You had a change of heart. After initially deciding not to have any children or not to have any more, you can later decide that you want biological children.
• You recently started dating someone. After divorcing or losing your spouse, you might get married again in an attempt to start a family.
• Your objective is to regain fertility. Even if you have no intention of having any more biological children, you could feel better at ease knowing that you are capable of becoming parents.
• Pain alleviation. Testicular pain is a rare side effect of vasectomy for certain individuals. Testicular pain may be relieved by reversing a vasectomy.

Your success rates for the recovery of sperm in your ejaculate range from 60% to 95%, depending on the number of years that have gone since your vasectomy. After a reversal, pregnancy is feasible over 50% of the time. However, 15 years following a vasectomy, success rates begin to drop.

Your chances of getting pregnant are affected by several factors even if your vasectomy reversal is successful. Not only the quality of your sperm but also the age of your spouse or wife matters.

Risks

Reversals of vasectomy may not be effective if you have additional diseases affecting your testicles. Following surgery, obstructions that impair fertility may also occur. If, even after a vasectomy reversal, you’re still having trouble getting pregnant, speak with your doctor. You might require a second vasectomy reversal or another procedure for the purpose of extracting sperm from the testicles.

Every surgical operation has some risk involved. Among the risks of a vasectomy reversal are:

• Infection
• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Hematoma
• Anesthesia side effects
• Issues with the healing process.
• Scar

Before the procedure

The general state of your health, including any underlying medical illnesses or risk factors, will be assessed by your healthcare professional. Inform them of all prescription and Over–The–Counter (OTC) medications you take, including dietary supplements containing herbs. Anti–inflammatory medications, aspirin, and other herbal supplements can make bleeding more likely.

The night before or the morning of your treatment, your healthcare practitioner could ask you to completely shave the hair from your groin or scrotum.

A razor should never be used on your scrotum. Your scrotum can get cut or irritated by them. The best option is a disposable razor with a single blade.

Wash your groin and scrotum well the day before and the morning of your vasectomy reversal to lower the chance of infection.

During the procedure

You won’t experience any discomfort because your doctor will administer anesthetic. You might be administered general anesthesia, which puts you to sleep for the length of the treatment. You will be given local anesthetic if general anesthesia is not administered. While local anesthetic numbs a small area of your body, it does not put you to sleep.

Your doctor will perform a minor cut in the scrotum, frequently in the same location as your vasectomy scar, once you’re unconscious or numb.

Your doctor will find the ends of your vas deferens and mark the site of the vasectomy or any obstructed areas.

They will pull both ends of your vas deferens out through the incision, remove any blockages or scar tissue and leave two cut ends. To verify that there are sperm present, they will examine the fluid originating from the testicle. If so, they will position your vas deferens’ two cut ends in line and stitch them together under a microscope. The vas deferens is connected to the epididymis, a structure on top of the testicle that stores sperm, in a more intricate procedure that would be required if there are no sperm present. Stitches will be used to seal the incision once either of these repairs is completed. 

A vasectomy reversal typically requires a surgical duration of up to four hours. In the majority of cases, vasectomy reversals are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home on the same day as your surgery.

After the procedure

Your doctor will wrap your stitches once your vasectomy reversal is finished. Your anesthesia will no longer be administered to keep you sleeping.

After transferring you to a recovery room, medical professionals will keep an eye on your general health as they wait for you to awaken.

Your doctor will discharge you, or allow you to return home, once they conclude you no longer require observation.

After a vasectomy reversal, you should apply ice packs on the region periodically for at least 24 hours.

Nonsteroidal Anti–inflammatory Medicines (NSAIDs) sold Over–the–Counter (OTC) can help reduce minor pain. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are the three most common NSAIDs. Before using NSAIDs, it’s a good idea to check with your provider because not everyone can take them. A stronger pain reliever may be prescribed by your surgeon if you are in a lot of discomfort.

Outcome

After a vasectomy reversal, most patients are able to return to their regular activities in two days. Wearing an athletic supporter for a minimum of one week is a good suggestion.

After the procedure, refrain from physically demanding activities for a minimum of one week and refrain from sexual activity, including masturbation, for two to three weeks. If you don’t give yourself enough time to heal completely, you can have major difficulties. Infection, discomfort, and ripping of your stitches are possible complications.

Showering is acceptable, but until the injured area heals, you should refrain from taking a bath. To help prevent infections, try to keep the area as dry and clean as you can.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that everybody is different, which is why recuperation timeframes differ. Observe the advice given by your doctor for how to handle any pain or discomfort.