Can permanent male contraception be reversed so a man is fertile again? Of the many thousands of individuals who undergo vasectomies each year, about 1500 will wish to be able to father children again. Are you one of them? Here’s what to consider in deciding if vasectomy reversal is right for you.
You And Your Intimate Partner Agree on Vasectomy Reversal
If you are contemplating starting a family, your intimate partner has to be on board with that life-changing decision. Discuss reversing your vasectomy before pursuing a surgical consultation with your men’s health specialist.
In addition, your significant other may accompany you to your appointment so you both understand, if you qualify, what the procedure involves and how probable you can achieve pregnancy. In fact, many couples also consult with the woman’s gynecologist to ensure she is fertile and can carry a pregnancy.
You Had Your Vasectomy Within Past Ten Years
While successful vasectomy reversals and resumption of male fertility can happen no matter when the vasectomy happens, chances of excellent fertility and pregnancy improve when the vasectomy is reversed sooner rather than later. About 50 percent of couples report pregnancy if the reversal was done within three years of the vasectomy; if the gap between surgeries is ten or more years, pregnancy rates drop.
Your Vasectomy Reversal Specialist Believes You Are a Good Candidate
Your physician will determine this by reviewing your current health status and discussing your reasons for wanting a reversal procedure. Also, he will take a sperm sample to evaluate the quality of the seminal fluid and the presence of sperm antibodies. Testing the fluid helps decide which type of vasectomy reversal would work best for you.
You may qualify for a vas-to-vas reconstruction (vasovasotomy) which reconnects the severed ends of the vas deferens. This is a less complex surgery that takes about two to three hours. Or, a vas deferens to testicle reconstruction (vasoepididymostomy) may work better for you if the sperm path through the epididymis is obstructed.
You Can Comply with the Recovery Instructions
The best surgical patients are the ones who comply with post-op protocols. This applies to men who wish to reverse their vasectomies, too.
So, be sure you understand what the immediate days to weeks after your reversal involves. Most patients:
- Take over-the-counter acetaminophen for pain after their procedures
- Take seven to 10 days off from work (or less if it’s a desk job)
- Refrain from all sex for three weeks
Additionally, couples should be patient about the return of fertility. According to post-op seminal fluid analysis, sperm count normalizes within two months for the vas-to-vas surgery and within three to 15 months for the vas-to-testicle procedure. Overall, up to 95 percent of vasectomy reversal procedures work.
Vasectomy Reversal in the Tempe Area
At Ironwood Urology, our professional team feels privileged to assist men with their fertility and sexual health issues. Dr. Desiderio Avila Jr. is our nationally renowned physician and surgeon. He has years of experience in state-of-the-art vasectomy and vasectomy reversal surgeries.
To arrange an informative consultation with Dr. Avila, call us today at (480) 961-2323 or fill out our online appointment request form. We have locations in Gilbert and Phoenix, Arizona.
