Are Vasectomies Reversible?

There are many reasons you may consider a vasectomy. Perhaps you and your partner have decided you do not want children and prefer this procedure instead of other popular forms of contraception that may have adverse effects on women. 

Maybe you do not have a partner and simply have decided on your own that you do not want children. Whatever the reason, it’s not uncommon for people to assume that a vasectomy is permanent sterilization for men. However, this would be an incorrect assumption as not only are vasectomy reversals possible, but they’re quite common and straightforward. 

Understanding Vasectomies

When an individual goes in for a vasectomy, the procedure is usually done in a urologist’s office and completed in under 20 minutes. If performing the procedure in an office causes the patient unease, a doctor may decide to complete it in an outpatient surgical center instead. 

The procedure starts with a doctor applying local anesthetics to the scrotum before making a small incision to access the vas deferens. Once this is achieved, the doctor will then remove a small part of the vas deferens and cauterize or stitch close the openings. 

This removes the possibility of sperm entering the vas deferens and leaving the testes upon ejaculation, even though sperm is still being produced in the body. When someone has this procedure done, sperm are slowly absorbed by the body as they are produced instead of exiting the body via ejaculation. Most patients report feeling little to no pain past the first day following the procedure and recover fully in about a week. 

Understanding the Types of Vasectomy Reversals

Though slightly more complicated than the initial vasectomy, vasectomy reversals are still relatively simple and non-invasive procedures that restore continuity in the male reproductive system. Unlike a vasectomy, a vasectomy reversal requires the patient to be fully anesthetized rather than locally anesthetized. Once the patient is unconscious, a doctor will begin by using a special microscope to remove the closed parts of the vas deferens and take a sample of vasal fluid. After this is done, there are two ways a urologist may proceed with the reversal. 

Option 1: Vasovasostomy

In this procedure, once the urologist has examined the vasal fluid, they will find that there either is or isn’t sperm found in the fluid. If there is sperm in the vasal fluid, it can be deduced that the pathway is clear between the testes and where the vas deferens was cut. In this case, the urologist will simply reattach the cut ends of the vas deferens with tiny stitches.

Option 2: Vasoepididymostomy

If a doctor finds that there is not any sperm found in the vasal fluid sample, it could mean that because of back pressure from the initial vasectomy, a sort of “blowout” occurred in the epididymal tube. This “blowout” can lead to blockage, and in this case, a urologist will need to go around the block and attach the vas deferens to the epididymis itself. 

Things to Consider

Your Body Is Still Producing Sperm

Many men are surprised to find out that even though they had a vasectomy, their bodies never stopped producing sperm. Because of this, your normal fertility is restored after a reversal. In most cases, you will be asked to abstain from sex for three weeks before trying to conceive to allow your body time to heal. 

Time Is a Factor

There is a common misconception that if your initial vasectomy was done years ago, the success rate of a reversal would decrease. This is only true if the vasectomy was done over 15 years ago. As long as the vasectomy was performed within the last ten years or so, there is a 95% success rate. 

Fertility Is Always a Factor

If you and your partner are interested in a vasectomy reversal, you should both be examined for any potential fertility issues and discuss all of your options. The health of the male and female are both critically important to successfully conceive.

A vasectomy is the most efficient form of male birth control outside of one thing — abstinence. Understanding how these procedures work will help you decide what is right for you. Head to our website for even more information on urologic health.