If you and your partner want to try to conceive, but you’ve had a vasectomy in the past, then you will want to talk to a skilled urologist about the viability of having a vasectomy reversal. A vasectomy reversal is a procedure that involves reconnecting the vas deferens tubes, so that the sperm can travel into the semen and thereby enable fertilization once again.
The internet is full of misinformation, and one of those myths is the idea that a baby is likely to have birth defects if you’ve had a vasectomy reversal. The fact is that a reverse vasectomy has nothing to do with birth defects; rather, the older you and/or your partner are (especially the female), the slightly greater the chances are of a baby having birth defects.
Let’s talk about some of the baseline facts and myths surrounding a vasectomy reversal, and where you can go here in the Phoenix area to have this procedure done.
Myths and Truths About Vasectomy Reversal
First of all, you may get the impression that having a vasectomy reversed is done very rarely. This is not true – indeed, a urologist who specializes in men’s health performs this procedure quite often. There are many reasons for having a vasectomy reversal, including remarriage, loss of a child, or simply changing your mind.
One pervasive myth is the concept of old sperm that lives for weeks or months. The fact is that new sperm is constantly being made by a man’s body even after having a vasectomy, because a vasectomy doesn’t affect the actual production of sperm. A man who has had a vasectomy will naturally reabsorb the sperm back into the body after having sex, and the sperm cells will be naturally eliminated as waste from the body.
Sperm only lives a short time after being released. No unused or old sperm remains behind, waiting for its chance to fertilize an egg. Rather, a man’s body will continue to produce new sperm.
After a vasectomy reversal, it can take up to two months for sperm to reappear. Fertilization will not happen right away, so be patient.
A vasectomy reversal is most successful in men who have had their vasectomy relatively recently. The more years that have gone by since your vasectomy, the lower your likelihood of conceiving a child. Talk to your urologist about whether this option is right in your case.
Urologist Performing Vasectomy Reversal in Phoenix, AZ
There is no difference in the rate of birth defects between babies born to fathers who have had a vasectomy reversal and those who don’t fall into that category. If you’ve changed your mind about having children and would like to have your vasectomy reversed, choose a urologist who is highly experienced in performing the procedure successfully. You will have greater success with an experienced surgeon.
Dr. Desi Avila at Ironwood Urology specializes in microsurgical vasectomy reversals, which are less invasive than traditional procedures. Dr. Avila will first conduct an evaluation and answer any questions you may have about it.
If you have any questions about our practice or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Avila, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (480) 961-2323 or by filling out our easy-to-use online request form now. We look forward to being your partner in men’s health.
