Vasectomy Reversal (Vasovasostomy)

A vasectomy is recognized as a permanent approach to birth control. Vasectomy reversal (vasovasostomy) reconnects the tubes (vas deferens) that were cut in a vasectomy. If you are considering a vasovasostomy, you'll want to read this information given by Metropolitan Urological Specialists in St. Louis, MO.

Vasectomy reversal is usually an outpatient procedure (without an overnight stay in the hospital). Spinal or general anesthesia is typically utilized to ensure that you stay entirely still throughout the surgery.

The odds of vasectomy reversal success depend on just how much time has passed between your vasectomy and the reversal. With time, additional blockages can develop, and some men create antibodies to their own sperm.

The surgery is much more complicated and takes more time when blockage between the vas deferens and the epididymis requires correction (vasoepididymostomy).

What To Expect After Surgery

Vasectomy reversal normally takes from two to four hours, followed by a few more hours for recovery from the anesthetic. You will probably go home the same day.

Pain can be mild to moderate. You should be able to resume normal activities, like sex, within three weeks.

Why It Is Done

Vasectomy reversal is done when you've  had a vasectomy and would now like to be fertile.

How Well It Works

Probability of a successful vasectomy reversal decline over time. Reversals are more successful in the first decade after vasectomy.

Generally, vasectomy reversal:
•   Brings about overall pregnancy rates of higher than 50%.
•   Has the greatest chance of success within three years of the vasectomy.
•   Causes pregnancy only about 30% of the time if the reversal is done ten years following vasectomy.

Risks

Risks of vasectomy reversal include:
•   Infection at the site of surgery.
•   Fluid buildup in the scrotum (hydrocele) that might require draining.
•   Injury to the arteries or nerves within the scrotum.

What To Consider

Before a vasectomy reversal is carried out, your doctor will want to make sure you were fertile before your vasectomy.

You can have tests to find whether you have sperm antibodies in your semen before and after vasectomy reversal. If there are sperm antibodies inside your semen after surgery, your partner is unlikely to become pregnant. In this case, you may decide to try in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

If you have any questions concerning reverse vasectomy or any of the other services provided by Metropolitan Urological Specialists, set up a meeting with them and they’ll give you the answers you need. Metropolitan Urological Specialists is a good place to go for urological knowledge in St. Louis, Creve Coeur, Florissant, and Kirkwood, Missouri.