The effectiveness, safety, and reliability of vasectomy are beyond question. However, there are some men who later change their minds after the procedure because their life circumstances have also changed. Perhaps, they have remarried, and they have decided to have a child.
If you’ve already undergone a vasectomy, but you want to know if there’s still a way you can hit the reset button on such choice, a vasectomy reversal is the good news you’ve been waiting to hear.
Here’s what you need to know about vasectomy reversal, particularly its different types, what each type entails, as well as what you can expect during your recovery.
Vasectomy Reversal
Vasectomy reversal has two main types, namely vas-to-vas reconstruction (vasovasostomy), and vas-to-testicle bypass surgery (vasoepididymostomy). Both have the same goal, which is to restore the flow of your semen, allowing you and your partner to conceive. Both are also performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia, possibly along with a long-acting localized anesthesia.
To determine which type of vasectomy reversal is suitable for you, your urological surgeon will obtain a sample of your semen from your vas deferens then evaluate its quality and check for the presence of sperm.
Vasovasostomy
If your seminal fluid is clear and there is sperm in it, your surgeon will likely recommend vasovasostomy, during which they will create a small incision in your scrotum, find the separate ends of your vas deferens, then reattach them.
The procedure usually takes approximately two to three hours.
Vasoepididymostomy
A creamy or thick seminal fluid that has no trace of healthy sperm signifies epididymal blockage. In such case, your urological surgeon will likely recommend vasoepididymostomy to bypass the blockage.
During the procedure, your surgeon will likely use a microsurgical approach to attach the vas to the testicle above the occlusion in the epididymis.
This type of vasectomy reversal is slightly more complicated and takes roughly four hours to complete.
What Does Recovery from Vasectomy Reversal Entail?
Recovery from vasectomy reversal, just like vasectomy itself, requires taking a rest from work, exercise, and sex. Avoid lifting, jogging, and biking for at least six weeks. Also, ensure you provide adequate support for your scrotum to speed up healing: wear a snugly fitted underwear.
You can begin sexual activity when your urological surgeon says you are healthy enough. If you underwent microsurgical vasectomy reversal, you should be able to ejaculate safely within a few weeks or so following the procedure.
Periodically, your doctor will obtain your semen sample to determine your sperm count. Restoration of full fertility takes varying amounts of time–even up to a year-say male urology experts at the Mayo Clinic. Patience also is key to your full recovery.
Vasectomy Reversal in Gilbert, AZ
At Ironwood Urology, Dr. Desiderio Avila, Jr., our board-certified urological surgeon, has successfully reversed thousands of vasectomies using both techniques, even for men who have had the procedure done more than 20 years ago. While our priority is to deliver an exceptional outcome, we gladly educate couples on the reversal process and equip them with all they need to know to achieve their ultimate goal to get pregnant again, naturally.
To consult Dr. Avila about vasectomy reversal, particularly whether you’re eligible for it, call our staff at (480) 961-2323, or simple fill out this secure form, and we will promptly contact you to arrange your appointment.
