As many as 500,000 men undergo a vasectomy every year. Vasectomies are actually the most effective form of “permanent” birth control. During a vasectomy, the pathway between the sperm and the semen (the vas deferens) is cut, meaning that sperm can no longer mix with semen. So although you still produce both sperm and semen, only semen will be ejaculated from the penis during sex. But what happens if you decide you are ready for more children? Is a vasectomy actually permanent?
Lucky for you, and many men out there, vasectomies can be reversed – ensuring you get a second chance. There are two different types of vasectomy reversals based on whether there is sperm in the vasal fluid or not.
Vasovasostomy
In a vasosvasostomy, the doctor is able to find sperm in the vasal fluid. The urologist will simply reconnect the ends of the vas deferens, making this procedure the easier of the two.
Vasoepididymostomy
In a vasoepididymostomy, the doctor is unable to find sperm in the vasal fluid. This could stem from a blockage in the epididymis tube, which stores and carries sperm. Therefore, in this procedure, the urologist will connect the vas deferens to the epididymis instead.
Both procedures have a high success rate; it will work for roughly 85 out of 100 men. Many times both procedures will be needed, as one side of the vas deferens will have sperm in the vasal fluid and one will not. The procedure has been labeled a “come and go” procedure since most of the time men who get a vasectomy reversal are able to go home the very same day. In addition, recovery time is fairly short, varying from 5 to 14 days.
Maybe you thought you didn’t want children and changed your mind. Maybe you remarried after having children with your first wife. Or maybe you simply had a change of heart regarding your vasectomy. Vasectomy reversals can give you a second chance.
Dr. Desiderio (Desi) Avila is the only fellowship-trained urologist specializing in microsurgical vasectomy reversals in the Pheonix, Arizona and surrounding areas. Call Ironwood Urology today at (480) 961-2323 to see how Dr. Avila may just be able to grant you that second chance.
