A vasectomy reversal is a surgical procedure done to reconnect the vas deferens, which are cut during a vasectomy. Men choose to have a vasectomy when they believe they are done having children. In some cases, life will take a different and unexpected turn, making the male decide to have more children. Some men get divorced, remarry, and wish to have more children with their new spouse. In other cases, a couple may just decide that they wish to have another child. In these cases, a vasectomy reversal may be necessary.
The Vasectomy Reversal Process
When a male has decided to have a vasectomy reversal, he will talk to his doctor to see if he is a good candidate for the surgery. A good candidate for the surgery would be healthy with no serious medical conditions. If he is a good candidate, he will be scheduled for the surgery.
Once the surgery has been set up, he will go to a hospital or a surgical center to have the surgery. On the day of surgery, he should have not eaten for at least two hours before the surgery. He should wear loose-fitting clothes and be prepared to be in recovery for up to 4 hours.
During the procedure, the male will be under anesthesia so he will not feel anything. Once the patient has been put under the anesthesia, the doctor will cut both sides of the scrotum. The doctor will then cut the ends of the vas deferens, where they were previously cut for the original vasectomy. This will give the doctor a fresh area to reconnect. Before the reconnection occurs, the doctor will take a sample of fluid from the end closest to the testicle. He will check to make sure that there are sperm in the fluid. If there are sperm present, then he will go through with reconnecting the ends of the vas deferens by using stitches.
If there are not sperm present, then he will need to try a different approach at connecting the vas deferens. This approach is called a vasoepididymostomy. In this procedure, the doctor will need to connect the top end of the vas deferens to the top of the epididymis. The epididymis is a long narrow tube that connects to the vas deferens. This is a more complex problem and can require a longer incision. Even though this procedure is more difficult, the outcome can still be good if the doctor has be trained in this procedure.
Vasectomy Reversal Success Rate
The chances of a vasectomy reversal being successful are high. The surgery may be a success, but it can be another story trying to actually become pregnant. The chances of concieving a child after a vasectomy reversal is around 45% to 50%. A pregnancy can usually be achieved within a year to a year and half for most couples.
If you are considering a vasectomy reversal, talk to your doctor; he will be able to tell you if you are a good candidate for the surgery.
