If you and your partner have decided to start or expand your family through vasectomy reversal, prepare for the many life changes parenthood could bring. Plus, it’s important to get the most accurate medical counsel possible on whether you are a candidate for this innovative men’s health procedure. In this blog, we will discuss the factors you and your partner should consider before undergoing vasectomy reversal surgery.
What Is Vasectomy Reversal?
Vasectomy reversal is a surgical procedure that potentially restores a man’s fertility after he has been made sterile through a vasectomy. Most vasectomy reversals are a simple reconnection between the severed ends of the vas deferens, the natural passageways for sperm to enter the ejaculate or semen. The best vasectomy reversal surgeons use advanced microscopic surgical techniques to accomplish viable connections, and these in-office procedures carry little risk for medical complications, such as bleeding, chronic pain, or infection.
So, vasectomy reversal is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that has helped many men regain their fertility. The surgery typically takes about two to three hours and is performed under local anesthesia. During the procedure, the urologist makes small incisions in the scrotum to access the vas deferens. The blockage from the original vasectomy is removed, and the ends of the tubes are carefully reattached using microscopic tools.
The medical term for this kind of vasectomy reversal is vasovasostomy. The procedure features a very high success rate, with 90 percent or more of men regaining their sperm count and fertility.
One of the key benefits of choosing an experienced and skilled surgeon, such as Dr. Avila, is his use of advanced microscopic techniques during vasectomy reversal procedures. He is board-certified in urology and fellowship-trained in reproductive medicine, men’s fertility, and microsurgery.
Parenthood Could Happen Sooner Than You May Expect
In years past, vasectomy reversal was attempted rarely, and when it was, success rates were very low. Today, through microscopic techniques, such as those used by Dr. Desiderio Avila at Ironwood Urology, male fertility can return within a matter of months. Also, Dr. Avila’s reversal procedures are 99.5 percent effective as compared to the national average in the United States of only 50 percent.
In addition, you should know that men usually return to their jobs within seven to 10 days after their procedures. Sexual intercourse and activities that are physically strenuous, such as lifting, running, or gym workouts, can resume within three weeks. Dr. Avila will tell you what post-operative protocol is best for your unique situation.
So, if you and your partner are considering starting a family or expanding your family after a vasectomy, it’s important to know that you have real options for restoring your fertility. That said, if you and your partner have decided on a vasectomy reversal, plan on having a child. Conception and childbirth are more likely a reality than not.
After your vasectomy reversal procedure, Dr. Avila will do periodic sperm count checks so you will understand that a pregnancy could occur at any time. Most of his patients successfully conceive within a year or so of their vasectomy reversal procedures. Successful conception is most likely within three years of your original vasectomy surgery. Waiting 10 years or more after the original surgery to have it reversed may drastically impact the ability of you and your partner to conceive a child.
Vasectomy Reversal in Phoenix and Gilbert, AZ
At Ironwood Urology, our board-certified and fellowship-trained urologist and men’s health specialist counsel many men and their partners about vasectomy reversal and how it may impact their health and family lives. If you are considering this state-of-the-art male fertility procedure, then call us for a full medical evaluation and discussion of what renewed fertility could mean for you.
Call our helpful office team at Ironwood Urology at (480) 961-2323 to arrange an informative and friendly consultation with Dr. Desiderio Avila. Or, request your appointment here. We have two offices: one in Phoenix and the other in Gilbert, AZ. We are eager to help you determine if vasectomy reversal is your best choice.