Vasectomy Reversal
A vasectomy reversal is a microsurgical procedure performed by a urologist to reverse sterility caused by a vasectomy. It is not an uncommon choice, as approximately five to ten percent of the half million men who opt for vasectomy each year later elect to have the vasectomy reversed.
A vasectomy reversal is performed by microsurgically reconnecting the cut ends of the vas deferens, the small tubes that carry sperm from the man's testicles. The fine sutures used are no thicker than a human hair.
Once reconnected, the vas can again become a passageway for semen to be ejaculated at orgasm.
Microsurgical vasectomy reversal is more time-intensive and complex than a vasectomy.
The vasovasostomy procedure takes approximately 90 minutes. General anesthesia is used, which typically adds time to the recovery period.
You can expect to remain on bed rest for at least the first 24 hours following reversal surgery. Your doctor may advise you to use an ice pack on the scrotal area for one to two days and keep all activities to a minimum for at least four to five days. You may be advised to avoid heavy lifting or physical exertion for three to four weeks.
You should not attempt ejaculation for up to 30 days. Schedule an appointment with your doctor within that time period. Your doctor may request that you provide semen specimens periodically until your seminal fluid contains a normal sperm count. Do not ejaculate for two to three days prior to each semen analysis following surgery.
Results of Vasectomy Reversal
Depending on the changes following the vasectomy, the time that has passed since the vasectomy and the experience of the surgeon, about 40 percent to 75% percent of all men can expect to father a child again, but not immediately. The success rate is significantly higher in couples who have had children together already.
Years since vasectomy Chance of rebuilding an open vas channel Chance of pregnancy
Less than 3 years
97 % 76 %
Greater than 15 years 71 % 30 %
Sterility is not instantly reversed after surgery, nor is fertility instantly restored. It often can take several months, and in some cases over a year before the vasectomy reversal can be counted a success.
If the reversal is not ultimately successful, and no sperm comes through, other options remain. Fertility might be restored in a second operation, or "reversal re-do." Sperm may be surgically retrieved for use with in vitro fertility, or you may choose to have your sperm harvested during reversal surgery and banked for possible in-vitro fertilization. In cases where sperm is coming through the new connection, but the quality is poor, or pregnancy is not being achieved, artificial insemination may increase the odds of pregnancy. If necessary, in-vitro fertility can be performed using the ejaculated sperm as long as there are even only a few live sperm in the semen
Common Questions and Concerns
An effective vasectomy reversal simply allows sperm to rejoin the seminal stream during ejaculation and should not affect your sexual drive, your ability to have an erection and orgasm or your ability to have and enjoy sex.
Postoperative scars are generally nothing to worry about. The scrotum generally heals very well. The incision size is similar to that used for vasectomy. Although it may be slighlty larger than for a vasectomy, it is still fairly small and may be difficult to detect on an unshaven scrotum.
In the case of a large gap from a vasectomy, a vasectomy reversal may result in the testicles sitting higher in the scrotum. This is rarely perceptible and rarely results in any long term discomfort.
You should not attempt erection or ejaculation during your recovery period. You should wait about a month before you are comfortable and recovered enough to be ready for sex.
Please call to schdule a consultation for vasectomy reversal.
(714) 639-1915
