Vasectomy Reversal

You may consider reversing a vasectomy for several reasons, including when you’ve had a change of heart or are in a new relationship. Fortunately, you have more options today than ever before to restore your fertility after vasectomy.

Vasectomy Reversal Candidates

Almost all men who’ve had a vasectomy are eligible to have the procedure reversed. However, in some rare cases — including when a long piece of the vas deferens (the tube that carries sperm) was removed or the procedure was done during hernia surgery — vasectomy reversal may not be recommended or technically feasible. That’s why your doctor will do a thorough review of your medical history and complete a physical exam to gain a full understanding of your health, before moving forward with a reversal procedure.

Vasectomy Reversal Procedures

• Vasovasostomy. If there is sperm present in the vasal fluid, your surgeon will reconnect the ends of the vas deferens.
• Vasoepididymostomy. Sometimes, back pressure from a vasectomy can cause a “blowout” in the epididymal tube, which connects the testicles to the vas deferens. Your surgeon will connect the vas to the epididymis, instead of reconnecting the ends of the vas deferens.

Vasectomy reversal is minimally invasive but highly effective, and your partner may be able to get pregnant within a few months of your reversal.

After your procedure, you should heal in just a few days. Your urologist will communicate any restrictions as well as when and how you can return to daily activities or strenuous work tasks.

Vasectomy Reversal Risks

Complications are rare with vasectomy reversals but can happen, as with any surgical procedure.

Potential risks may include:

• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Chronic pain in and around the testes
• Infection
• Sperm granuloma (a small lump caused by sperm leaking out of the vas deferens)
• Swelling

Procedure Details

Preparing for a vasectomy reversal is much like preparing for your vasectomy. So that you can feel confident every step of the way, we’ve outlined what you can expect before, during and after your procedure.

Before surgery

Vasectomy reversals are typically performed at an outpatient surgery center. When you arrive, you’ll be asked to:

• Check in for your procedure
• Empty your bladder
• Remove any objects, like jewelry
• Remove your clothing and put on a hospital gown

During surgery

Vasectomy reversals are more complex procedures and can take 3 to 4 hours under general anesthesia.

During your procedure, we will:

• Inject a numbing medicine into your scrotal area
• Make a small opening in your upper scrotal area to access the vas deferens
• Check the fluid that comes out of both tubes
• Reconnect ends of vas deferens (if sperm is present in fluid)
  • If sperm is not present in the fluid, a vasoepididymostomy may be attempted

After surgery

When you wake up from the anesthesia, we’ll give you instructions for caring for yourself at home. And once you’re released from our care, you will need a designated driver to take you home and an adult to supervise your recovery for the remainder of the day.

For the next few days, we’ll ask you to avoid physical labor and exercise.

At some point after your surgery, your care team will ask you to return to the office to provide a semen sample to be sure sperm are present. Once your doctor confirms your semen contains sperm again, you may be able to impregnate your partner.

Schedule an Appointment for Vasectomy Reversal

You don’t need a doctor’s referral for vasectomy reversal. If you have questions or would like to make an appointment, call us at (804) 327-8820.