Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the questions that are frequently asked about vasectomy reversals.
Is it possible to reverse a vasectomy?
Yes! In most cases a vasectomy can be successfully reversed.
What is vasectomy reversal?
Vasectomy reversal is a day-case surgical procedure that reverses a vasectomy. Segments of the vas deferens are reconnected during surgery, which allows sperm to return to your semen once again. A vasectomy reversal is a procedure that restores a patient’s fertility.
Is it possible for all urologists to perform a successful vasectomy reversal?
Possible - yes, but advisable - no!
In all surgical fields, outcomes improve with experience and practice. success rates are higher if your surgeon performs microsurgeries frequently and has had extra training in vasectomy reversal and microsurgery.
Most urologists have limited exposure to microsurgery during their training and subspecialty fellowship and training is required to successfully perform microsurgical reconstructions. Microsurgery should be a core part of their surgical practice.
The urologist performing your surgery should be able to perform a vas to epididymus reconstruction (vaso-epididymostomy) if a vas to vas reconstruction (vasectomy reversal) is not possible.
What determines the success of a vasectomy?
There are a few factors that determine the success of a vasectomy. We encourage patients to speak with the urologist who’ll be performing the your vasectomy reversal and ask them about their experience, how successful they have been, the number of vasectomy reversals they have performed, and whether you have something in your medical or surgical history that might lower your chances of a successful reversal. Additionally, the quality and success of your vasectomy can play a significant role in whether the reversal surgery is successful.
How long will it take after my reversal for sperm to return to my semen?
Sperm can return immediately or up to 12 months after the reversal surgery.
When there is a high number of very motile sperm during the reversal and vasovasostomy is only required then often sperm are present during the initial semen analysis 1 – 2 months after the reversal surgery. You should bear in mind however, that it’s possible that during the first few months you might have poorer sperm motility even should your sperm count be good. Normally, it might take up to 6 months to achieve a sperm count that is normal with improved sperm motility.
When the patient requires vasoepididymostomy on both sides of the testes, it can take 6 - 12 months for sperm to return to your ejaculate.
How long should we expect to wait until my partner falls pregnant?
How long you wait largely depends on the type of vasectomy reversal undergone by the patient and what is found during the procedure. When complications are encountered, it could take longer for sperm to return to the semen. Having said that, it the sperm can return immediately or it could take up to 12 months.
Are there any risks involved should my partner get pregnant after a successful vasectomy reversal?
The outcome of your partner’s pregnancy doesn’t have any added risk. Your sperm is unchanged by the vasectomy reversal, with only the age of your sperm differing.
What risks are involved in vasectomy reversal?
As is the case with all surgeries, risks can include infections, bleeding and the side effects of anesthesia. Patients might also experience pain or swelling in their scrotum. Some of the other risks may include absence of sperm from the patient’s ejaculate, post-surgery pain, continued difficulty in achieving a pregnancy, and high riding.
Will it hurt?
The pain experienced after vasectomy reversal surgery can be compared to the pain you experience after vasectomy surgery. Some of the symptoms may include, swelling and bruising of the scrotal area and soreness. Any of the discomfort that you might experience can be remedied with medications.
When can I have sex after surgery?
We recommend that you wait at least 3-4 weeks after your vasectomy reversal surgery before having sex.