Vasectomies can be reversed even after very long periods of time, sometimes after more than 25 years. However, the success of the reversal, in terms of achieving a pregnancy, is dependent upon the experience of the surgeon, the age and fertility status of the female partner, and the length of time since the vasectomy. The following information provides an overview of the surgical procedure and answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding vasectomy reversals.
What Is A Vasectomy Reversal?
A vasectomy reversal, also known as vasovasostomy, is a surgical procedure that reverses your previous vasectomy. During the surgery, segments of the vas deferens are reconnected, allowing sperm to enter the semen and ejaculate once again. Thus, a vasectomy reversal restores your fertility.
Is A Vasectomy Reversal Painful?
For most men a vasectomy reversal is not that painful. You may be sore for several days, but your doctor will prescribe narcotic pain medication or you may find that over-the-counter Motrin or Advil will relieve your pain.
Who Performs A Vasectomy Reversal?
Urologists are the surgical specialists who most frequently perform vasectomy reversals. Since not everyone focuses on this procedure, make sure to ask your urologist how many he or she has done — and to what level of success. Also, if your urologist recommends a microsurgical approach, you have the right to ask about his or her experience and success rates with this technique especially since this is a technique that requires additional training.
What Are The Different Types Of Vasectomy Reversal?
The most common, called vasovasostomy, involves stitching the disconnected ends of the vas deferens back together with ultra-fine sutures. The other reversal procedure, called vasoepididymostomy, is performed when inflammation or scarring from the original vasectomy blocks the epididymis – the tubular structure connecting the testes to the vas deferens. In this microsurgical procedure, the blockage is bypassed by surgically connecting the vas deferens directly to the epididymis in a new location.
Can All Vasectomies Be Reversed?
Almost all vasectomies can be reversed. However, if the vasectomy was performed during the repair of a hernia in the groin, there may be more difficulty reconnecting the ends of the vas deferens. Rarely, reconnection of the ends of the vas is not possible because such a long segment of the vas was removed during the vasectomy procedure.
