How Is The Surgery Performed?
Most vasectomy reversals are performed as an outpatient surgery and can be done under local, regional or general anesthesia. It typically takes approximately 3 to 4 hours using an operating microscope to perform the surgery. Recovery is variable and can take anywhere from 5 to 14 days.
How Will I Feel After Surgery?
There will be some swelling and bruising after surgery for 4-5 days. In addition there may be some mild bleeding or oozing from the stitches. You may like to rest and take easy for first 48 hours.
When Can I Begin Having Intercourse Following A Vasectomy Reversal?
You can start having regular intercourse and ejaculating again after two weeks. Frequent regular ejaculation will help keep the pathway for the sperm open and help the sperm travel into the ejaculate.
If A Vasectomy Reversal Doesn’t Work, What Other Options Are Available?
Sperm retrieval procedures are available if a vasectomy reversal does not result in pregnancy. Working in coordination with a reproductive endocrinologist, the retrieved sperm can be used for Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). IUI and IVF are very costly, much more expensive than a vasectomy reversal so most couples opt to try a reversal first.
Will A Vasectomy Reversal Alter My Sex Drive Or My Ability To Achieve An Erection?
This is one of the most common questions about vasectomy reversal, and the answer is “no” to both concerns. A vasectomy reversal does not involve any structures that have an impact on a man’s sex drive or his ability to achieve an erection.
What Does The Success Of My Vasectomy Reversal Depend On?
A successful vasectomy reversal can depend on a few factors. An experienced, trained microsurgeon is recommended in order to ensure the best possible outcome. Patients are encouraged to speak with the individual performing the vasectomy procedure and ask about the physician’s experience (Are they a microsurgeon?), their success rate, how many vasectomy reversals they have performed, and if anything in your medical or surgical history suggests that there are lowered chances of a successful reversal. In addition, the quality and success of the original vasectomy may play a role in how successful a reversal will be.
When Can I Expect For A Pregnancy To Occur?
It is variable. Even when reversal is successful, there are many factors that affect the outcome of pregnancy. In our experience the pregnancy has happened within 6-8 weeks on one hand and more than a year on others. Timing of sexual activity to ovulation improves the chances of success.
