While many men are satisfied with their decisions to have vasectomies, others change their minds afterwards. Thanks to today’s microsurgical techniques, vasectomy reversal is possible and successful up to 95 percent of the time. Let’s look at reasons for and the timing of vasectomy reversal procedures. The surgery is a life-changer.
Why Get a Vasectomy
Perhaps a man chose to undergo this permanent method of male birth control because he never wanted to father a child and could not foresee wanting any kids in the future. Or, a man and his spouse may be satisfied with the number of children they already have and wish to avoid additional pregnancies.
Other reasons for getting a vasectomy include:
- Serious health problems in either the man or the woman which make pregnancy undesirable
- Limited economic resources for supporting children
- Extensive career responsibilities which limit time to devote to raising children
In short, the decision to undergo vasectomy is highly personal and takes much thoughtful consideration for both partners.
Why Get a Vasectomy Reversal
This decision also is highly personal and varies from man to man and couple to couple. Men should discuss the surgical option with their primary care physicians and also with a highly qualified urologist who has extensive experience in this microsurgical technique,
The most common reasons why men reconsider their vasectomies and pursue vasectomy reversal are:
- A man and/or his significant other wants the option of aving children
- A man has married again and wishes to begin a family with the new spouse
- You are healthy enough for the procedure (in other words, your health status has improved)
- Life circumstances, such as housing and economic resources, have improved
- Today’s reversals are highly successful (and the rate is very high for our urologist, Dr. Desiderio Avila)
- Recovery is relatively quick–seven to 10 days at home
- No scalpel or extensive suturing is required (the doctor uses microsurgical techniques which minimize tissue disruption within the scrotum)
- Anesthetic is local only
- The procedure is done in the office (outpatient)
When to Get a Vasectomy Reversal
First of all, you should get a vasectomy reversal when you are sure you want to start or expand your family. Also, your spouse or partner needs to be 100 percent in agreement. So, do not say yes to the procedure until you both have thought things through carefully.
Next, the sooner you have a vasectomy reversal, the better. If you have a reversal two years after a vasectomy, your chances of restoring fertility are better than if you waited a longer period of time.
Also, you need to consider that while recovery is relatively straightforward, you will need to refrain from sex (or use some kind of reliable birth control) until your sperm count returns to normal. Your urologist will run tests to confirm that you are fertile again.
Finally, you will need about three weeks off from work if you have a physically demanding job. That means no heavy lifting or strain on the groin. So, strenuous gym workouts will be off limits, too, until your urologist OKs them.
Choosing The Best Urologist for Vasectomy Reversal
In the Phoenix area, the best vasectomy reversal surgeon is Dr. Desiderio Avila, Jr. He consults with many men who come to Ironwood Urology to discuss the possibility of regaining their fertility. Dr. Avila has a very high success rate for his reversal procedures and is reputed to be a real innovator in men’s health and fertility restoration.
If you’d like to know more about vasectomy reversal, call our friendly office staff to arrange a consultation at (480) 961-2323. Additionally, you can request your visit online by completing our appointment request form.
Take the first step and get the knowledge you need. We hope to see you in our Phoenix or our Gilbert, AZ, office soon!
