Information about Vasectomy Reversal
Men may seek a vasectomy reversal for many reasons, including remarriage and the desire to conceive with a new partner, a change in family planning goals, or wanting to have another baby after losing a child.
How Vasectomy Reversal Works
A vasectomy divides the vas deferens and seals the ends. Sperm are still produced in the testicle but cannot travel past the vasectomy site. A vasectomy reversal is an operation that reconnects the two ends of the vas deferens. In some procedures, the vas deferens is reconnected to the epididymis (epididymovasostomy) due to a secondary blockage in the epididymis. This operation is performed entirely under the microscope.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vasectomy Reversal
A vasectomy reversal procedure does not require an overnight hospital stay. After the surgery, ice packs placed on the scrotal area can help reduce swelling and pain. Prescription pain medication will be available if needed.
An athletic supporter is typically recommended for 7 to 10 days after the surgery to support healing and improve comfort. All sutures dissolve after a few weeks and do not need to be removed.
Most patients return to office-based work in a week and to physically demanding work within two to three weeks.
Yes. It is possible to have a successful vasectomy reversal 10 years after the original procedure.
The success of a vasectomy reversal is dependent on:
- The skill of the surgeon
- Findings during the surgery
A vasectomy reversal is usually successful in returning sperm to the ejaculate, but it does not guarantee pregnancy. After a vasovasostomy on both sides, approximately 98% of patients have sperm return. When a vasoepididymostomy is performed, about 75% of patients have sperm return.
Brown Health Medical Group Urology performs the procedure with state-of-the-art microsurgical equipment and highly trained staff to assist in these procedures.
The procedure takes approximately three hours.
Follow-up includes an evaluation of wound healing within 10 to 14 days and a semen analysis at 6 to10 weeks. Additional semen analyses are performed every six weeks for four to six months, or until results stabilize.
If semen quality is lower than expected, anti-inflammatory medications may be used to decrease scarring.
Yes. Sperm can be retrieved from the testis using a needle under local anesthesia (TESA). If sperm quantity or quality is low, testicular sperm extraction (TESE) may be performed using a small incision.
Retrieved sperm can be used only with advanced assisted reproductive techniques, such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injections (ICSI). During ICSI, a single sperm is injected into an egg retrieved through IVF.
Still Have Questions?
Contact us at 401-421-0710 if you have any additional questions. We are here to help.