Vasectomy Reversal

Men who have undergone a vasectomy may wish to reverse the process, which is simply called vasectomy reversal. Before undergoing said major surgical procedure, however, many things must be taken into consideration.

Vasectomy Reversal Explained

Obviously, it reverses the effects of a vasectomy and, hence, restores male fertility. The process involves either reattaching the epididymis to the vas deferens (vasoepididymostomy) or reconnecting the previously severed ends of the vas deferens (vasovasostomy). Either way, the sperm once again enters the ejaculate and, hopefully, to fertilize the female egg through normal sexual intercourse.

There are many approaches to a reversal, of which microsurgery is the most widely used. Usually, it is performed either in an ambulatory surgery center or in a hospital's outpatient area by an urologist and an anesthesiologist. If microsurgery is used, the patient is placed under general anesthesia.

When choosing an urologist to perform the reversal, be sure to ask for his success rate, experience and training in the procedure. Aside from the fact that it is a very expensive process, you also want lesser chances for a second operation.

Advantages

Just like vasectomy, vasoepididymostomy and vasovasostomy also have their advantages. First, although pain can be experienced, as with most major surgeries, it usually goes away with medication in a few days' time.

Second, recovery period after the procedure is relatively easy and quick. Patients can resume normal activities within a week's time although heavy physical activities must be limited up until four weeks after the operation.

Usually, the urologist will require the patient to wear a jock strap for sufficient support for the 4-week period abovementioned. If your work demands strenuous physical activity, consultations regarding return to work requests must be made. Also, the patient has to refrain from sexual intercourse for at least two weeks. In some ways, this is an advantage as it can provide incentives to engage in romantic activities without the sex.

Third, success rates after vasectomy reversal is relatively good. This is especially true for the microsurgery method, with sperms present in the ejaculate for at least 75 percent of the patients. Approximately 30-75 percent of the patients' female partners will get pregnant, of which some will occur a few months after the procedure so if immediate pregnancy is not desired appropriate birth control options should be considered.

Fourth, a vasectomy reversal can be performed even after many years of the vasectomy itself. And unlike female fertility, age is not a significant factor in male fertility so vasectomized men of virtually all ages are qualified for the reversal procedure.

It's no wonder then that vasectomy reversal is also popular amongst men considering these advantages.

Disadvantages

Unfortunately, there are disadvantages to vasectomy reversal, which include but are not limited to:

• It entails very expensive costs that are not covered by insurance. Be prepared to pay as much as $12,000 excluding anesthesia and hospital fees.

• The first reversal may not be successful so a second operation is necessary, further raising financial costs but lowering success rates by as much as 10 percent.

• Serious side effects like damage to blood vessels and nerves, inflammation and infection as well as bleeding in the scrotum are par for the course with a vasectomy reversal.

In conclusion, since a vasectomy reversal is a major surgery, you must seek medical advice. This way, the money spent on the operation will be worth it.