A vasectomy is a permanent form of male birth control. The quick, outpatient procedure prevents sperm from mixing with semen, significantly reducing the risk of an unwanted pregnancy — the procedure boasts a 99% efficacy rate.
About 6% of men who have a vasectomy end up rethinking their decision later. In these cases, the best option to begin or expand your family is often a vasectomy reversal. But what is a reversal, and how does it work?
At Advanced Southern Westchester Medical in Yonkers, New York, urologist Sherif S. El-Masry, MD, performs vasectomy reversals. Here, we explain how the procedure works, its success rates, and what to expect during recovery.
This surgical procedure reconnects one or both of your vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from your testicles to the urethra, where it mixes with seminal fluid to form semen. Reconnecting your vas deferens restores the flow of sperm, making natural conception possible again.
There are two types of vasectomy reversal procedures:
This is the most common type of vasectomy reversal. It reconnects the two ends of the vas deferens, the tubes that carry semen from the testicles to make ejaculate.
We may recommend this type of reversal if it’s been more than 10 years since your vasectomy surgery. This procedure connects the two ends of the vas deferens to the epididymis, a small coil behind the testicles where sperm mature.
Regardless of which approach we take, a vasectomy reversal is usually performed under general anesthesia. Because of that, you’ll need someone to drive you home after the operation.
Vasectomy reversals are safe and usually well-tolerated, but several factors can affect your outcome. These include:
The good news is that vasectomy reversals are typically successful. Studies show that between 80% and 90% of men have sperm return to their semen after surgery.
Recovery from a vasectomy reversal is similar to the recovery process after a vasectomy. In the days following your procedure, it’s normal to experience mild pain, swelling, and bruising. Take any medication as prescribed and avoid strenuous activity like intense exercise and heavy lifting for between two and three weeks.
Once you’ve healed, you return to our office for a follow-up semen analysis. This quick test lets us confirm that sperm is present in your semen, meaning you can begin trying to conceive.
If you’re reconsidering fatherhood and want to start or expand your family, a vasectomy reversal may be able to help. Other options — such as sperm retrieval and in vitro fertilization — are also on the table, but the best way to determine what’s right for you is to request a consultation.
Schedule an appointment today by calling Advanced Southern Westchester Medical at 914-375-5700.
