Vasectomy Reversal Surgery: A Few Facts about a Vasectomy Reversal Procedure

Vasectomies are a popular and affordable procedure that provides continuous protection from potential pregnancies. Vasectomy is the most effective and safest form of sterilization. Known as one of the most reliable and cost-effective methods of birth control, vasectomies are a safe option covered by most health insurance plans.That is why thousands of these procedures are performed every year.

But what if you want to reverse it's effects and restore your fertility again?

Vasectomy reversal surgery is a surgical procedure to reverse (undo) a vasectomy. After successful vasectomy reversal, sperm are present in your semen again and you may be able to get your partner pregnant. It is a more complex procedure than vasectomy, because the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles need to be reconnected again which requires extreme precision.

The good news is that vasectomy reversal can be attempted even if a long time has passed since you had your vasectomy.

The bad news is that only about half of vasectomy reversals are successful (read more about vasectomy reversal success rates).

You may decide to have the surgery to restore fertility for a number of reasons, including loss of a child, remarriage or improved finances making it feasible to raise a child. A small number of men decide to undergo the reversal procedure to treat testicular pain.

Whatever your reason, you need to consider multiple factors when deciding whether or not to undergo this procedure.

Prior to vasectomy reversal surgery to restore fertility, your physician will want to make sure you can produce healthy sperm. For most men, having gotten a woman pregnant before is proof enough.

• To make sure that you are producing enough healthy sperm, you may need a testicular biopsy. In this test, a needle is used to remove fluid from your testicles to check for sperm.
• Your female partner will need to be evaluated too for fertility issues. It's a good sign if she has been pregnant in the past. She should visit her doctor for a pelvic exam, and possibly other tests, to make sure your partner's fallopian tubes aren't blocked and that she's producing eggs (ovulating).

Vasectomy reversal surgeries are usually performed at a surgery center or at a hospital. It's a very delicate procedure that can be done using a several different surgical techniques.

• You need to select an experienced surgeon to increase your chances for success. You should ask your doctor how many vasectomy reversals he or she has performed, and what are the pregnancy success rates - that is how many men have successfully fathered children after the surgery.
• Upon selecting a physician, you should discuss with him or her all the details and any questions that you may have about the procedure, including risks and potential complications. 
  
• Two weeks before and after your vasectomy, don't take aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) because they can increase your risk of bleeding. If necessary, you may use acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) for pain relief.
• Your doctor may ask you to clean and shave your scrotum before surgery and bring a clean jockstrap (athletic supporter) to wear after surgery.
• The surgery usually takes two to four hours. You'll also need time to recover from anesthesia. Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery.

As with any surgical procedure, there is a possibility for complications following the procedure, although they are very rare. In the some rare situations, patients may experience:

• Infection. This is a risk with any surgery.
• Bleeding within the scrotum. This may lead to a collection of blood (hematoma) that causes painful swelling.
• Inflammation. Leakage of sperm into the scrotum can result in formation of an inflammatory mass called a sperm granuloma. If that happens, it's a sign that the reversal wasn't successful.
• Damaged nerves and blood vessels causing decreased fertility.

You will need to contact your physician if you experience any of these symptoms after your surgery:

• Fever
• Swelling that worsens or won't go down
• Difficulty when urinating
• A marble-sized lump in your scrotum
• Continued bleeding from an incision