Vasectomy reversal surgeries are one option for men who have had a vasectomy at some time in their life and now, due to changing life circumstances, wish to once again have the opportunity to father children. If you are considering a vasectomy reversal, you will want to find a skilled surgeon with experience in performing both of the common procedures for reversal, which are vasovasostomy and vasoepididymostomy. The most commonly performed procedure is a vasovasostomy, which is a surgical procedure where the surgeon reconnects the two ends of the vas deferens. A vasoepididymostomy is a more complex surgery where the doctor creates a direct connection between the vas deferens and the epididymis, which is located at the back of the testicles and is where sperm matures. A vasoepididymostomy is required when a vasovasostomy will not achieve the desired results. The decision about which of these procedures will be needed on one or both sides can be made by your surgeon during the operation.

Most vasectomy reversal surgeries are performed in a clinic or hospital setting using either spinal or general anesthesia. A typical appointment, including preparation, the procedure and recovery time, will usually last between three and four hours, after which your partner or a friend will need to drive you home. A garmentmust be worn for support and to limit swelling for several weeks after the procedure, and most men experience some discomfort for a few days to one week. Men with jobs that are not physically demanding can often return to work after three days, while men with more physical jobs will need to speak to their doctor to discuss the length of time they will need to recover before returning to work. Most men can resume sports or activities that require heavy lifting about three weeks after the procedure, and sex can be resumed after about four weeks.

Vasectomy reversal procedures are not always successful, but undergoing fertility testing beforehand will assist you in determining if the procedure is worth a try. Some men also choose to create a back-up plan by having sperm harvested during the procedure, which can then be frozen for later use if the procedure is not successful.