What is a reversible vasectomy? First, let’s start with what a vasectomy is. A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure that involves a urologist making incisions and closing the vas deferens of a male to prevent the sperm from traveling to form a fertile ejaculate. Hence, the tube that connects the male reproductive glands, i.e., the testicles, is the main area of focus in this procedure.
It is one of the most effective contraception methods that males choose. While ejaculation and orgasm still feel the same way, the risk of getting your female partner pregnant is minimal.
However, some people tend to change their minds over time. If you and your partner decide to have a child, it is possible to reverse a vasectomy. The complex process of reversing a vasectomy involves reattaching the cut vas deferens to make sure that sperms now carry through into the semen to form a fertile ejaculate.
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About Reversible Vasectomy
Your doctor can perform a vasectomy reversal at a hospital or surgery center as it requires complex processes and precision while making the necessary operational procedures. On an outpatient basis, an overnight stay might not be necessary.
In fact, some surgeons might prefer performing the procedure in a clinic. However, the complexity of the procedures suggests the need for proper and extensive resources. The surgeons use anesthesia for the procedure and will require you to sign a permission form to allow them to conduct the procedure while you are under sedation.
It requires microsurgery to perform a reverse vasectomy in comparison to vasectomy itself. It is a highly intricate procedure, and a surgeon has to use micro tools and fine instruments to ensure precision with the vas deferens. Moreover, the surgeon must have a skill set and expertise to make the process successful.
Your surgeon can take either of the two approaches to reattach your vas deferens and perform a reverse vasectomy.
Vasoepididymostomy
It involves a rather complex process than a vasovasostomy. In this procedure, your urologist will directly tie and attach the vas deferens to the sperm-producing organs in your scrotum (epididymis). Therefore, it requires extreme precision. Also, this is the standard approach when performing a vasovasostomy isn’t viable.
Vasovasostomy
This procedure is relatively simple as it involves the urologist sewing back the ends of the vas deferens tube that carry the sperm.
Who Decides the Procedure?
The decision to perform either of the two surgeries above is the responsibility of the professional and experienced urologist. What’s more, before the procedure, your doctor will analyze the vas deferens to detect the presence of sperm.
Normally, the surgeon decides the approach to reverse vasectomy surgery. In addition, both of these procedures can occur simultaneously. That is one for each vas deferens under the right circumstances.
During Reversible Vasectomy Procedure
In this reverse vasectomy procedure, the doctor will make minor incisions to the scrotum at the base of your penis. Following that, they will identify the vas deferens that carry sperm from the productive glands. After releasing the vas from nearby tissues, the doctor will have to examine the internal condition of the vas deferens.
If the sperm are present, then a vasovasostomy may be the right approach. However, if the scar tissue is blocking the vas deferens from carrying sperm, then vasoepididymostomy will be the right decision. That is, connecting the vas directly to the productive glands.
Post-Procedure (Reversible Vasectomy)
Similar to a vasectomy, the healing process of reverse vasectomy is relatively quick. A man can generally return to his normal routine in a few days with certain exercise restrictions. Generally, pain is a common symptom of the procedure that can last for a few days near the incised part of the scrotum or the whole area.
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Not only that, but you may also experience swelling on the scrotum, for which ice packs are the best solution, as your doctor might also suggest. They might also recommend refraining from heavy lifting, performing aerobic exercises while controlling your movement. In fact, a fast-paced and sudden movement can tear the fresh attachment of the vas to the reproductive glands. You should avoid sex for nearly 2 to 3 weeks in order to make sure that the vas is fully capable of carrying healthy sperm.
However, there isn’t a solid guarantee if the reverse vasectomy will be successful and ensure pregnancy within a few months. In reality, it can take a few years for some people to see the results after their reverse vasectomy. So, consult your urologist before making the decisions and plan accordingly.
Reversible Vasectomy: Conclusion
If you are in search of the right medical assistance to carry out a reverse vasectomy and fulfill your dreams of having a family, you should get in touch with the top urologists at Fifth Avenue Urology. We provide a broad range of medical and urological treatments meeting the needs of our patients.
Ring us to discuss further at 212-675-3186 to book an appointment with an expert urologist.
Reference Links:
https://www.healthline.com/health/vasectomy-reversal
https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/v/vasectomy-reversal
https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/reversing-a-vasectomy
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/vasectomy-reversal-5-facts-men-need-to-know-2/