So if your wife now wants to have kids after you’ve already undergone a vasectomy, you can seek advice from a urological surgeon to see if you’re a candidate for this procedure. Your doctor can perform tests to determine your eligibility. If you were fertile before you went for a vasectomy, and testing confirms your semen is clear of antisperm antibodies, you are likely a good candidate for a vasectomy reversal.
Here’s what you need to know about vasectomy reversal: how it can help you get your fertility back and where to go to get it done.
Mechanics of Vasectomy Reversal
Generally, vasectomy reversal has a straightforward goal: to restore a clear pathway for the sperm to travel by eliminating any obstacles. Surgeons have two main techniques for vasectomy reversal, with the main difference in how the vas deferens is reattached: vas-to-vas reconstruction (vasovasostomy) and vas-to-testicle bypass surgery (vasoepididymostomy).
In a vasovasostomy, your surgeon reattaches the cut ends of your vas deferens. In a vasoepididymostomy, on the other hand, your severed vas deferens gets attached directly to your epididymis.
The relative simplicity of vasovasostomy and its quicker recovery period makes it the preferred choice for reversing a vasectomy. However, people who had a vasectomy a long time ago are likely to have blockages in the epididymis, where the sperm is stored and carried. In such a case, a vasoepididymostomy is a more suitable option.
All cases of vasectomy reversal rely on microsurgery techniques. Surgeons will require magnification equipment and precision tools to accurately reattach and repair tissue. Special sutures thinner than hair are also prerequisites for a successful operation. Significant preparation and effort are required to ensure attachment while minimizing scar formation, which could otherwise compromise the flow of sperm.
Vasectomy Reversal Success Rate
Vasectomy reversals yield a high success rate, although the actual numbers depend on how long it has already been since you had your vasectomy. A 95% success rate is possible if you had your vasectomy within the last 10 years. However, excessive scar formation can hamper your probability of a successful outcome.
While most patients become fertile again after a vasectomy reversal, sperm counts take time to rise. Nonetheless, patients can have detectable sperm levels again after three months. A vasovasostomy can take up to a year for sperm detection, while a vasoepididymostomy can take up to 18 months.
One more thing worth noting about a vasectomy reversal is that it will not have any negative effect on your ability to achieve or maintain an erection, your libido, or your pleasure during intercourse. You can still enjoy intimacy with your partner just as you enjoy the process of having another child.
Vasectomy Reversal in Phoenix and Gilbert, Arizona
Vasectomy reversal is a pretty much straightforward concept, but the success of its implementation hinges on proper technique and cutting-edge equipment. If you’re considering a vasectomy reversal, working with a highly skilled urological surgeon like Dr. Desiderio Avila, Jr. is crucial for increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.
At Ironwood Urology, our very own Dr. Avila—who is one of the leading vasectomy reversal surgeons in the country—will be with you throughout the entire process: from preliminary testing, to operation, on to recovery. Amazingly, with his extensive experience, he is able to offer low-cost vasectomy reversals compared to those by other reversal surgeons. Call us at today at (480) 961-2323 or fill out our online appointment form to schedule a consultation with Dr. Avila.
