Vasectomies are a popular and highly effective form of birth control. After abstinence, a vasectomy is regarded as the most effective form of birth control and is typically carried out on men who are finished having children or who have decided not to have children at all. It is estimated that 50 million men have had a vasectomy, including 5% of all married men. However, with a vasectomy also comes the possibility for vasectomy reversals.
Vasectomy Reversals
Although proven effective, there are situations where some men change their minds, and that’s where vasectomy reversals come into play. Here at Alliance Urology, we’re explaining everything you need to know about vasectomy reversals, including statistics, operation information, and more.
What Is A Vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a permanent form of birth control that involves surgery to cut off the supply of sperm to the semen by cutting and sealing the vessels that carry the sperm. This surgical procedure typically results in over 99% effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. During a vasectomy, a part of the male reproductive system responsible for transporting sperm called the vas deferens is cut or punctured to prevent the sperm from getting into the semen. After about three months, the body will still produce the same amount of semen, but sperm will not be present within the semen. A vasectomy does not impede a man’s ability to get an erection or ejaculate.
What Is A Vasectomy Reversal?
A vasectomy reversal reattaches the severed ends of the vas deferens to restore the flow of sperm to the semen, making it possible for the man to conceive a child. Similar to the original vasectomy, vasectomy reversals are surgical procedures that require general or local anesthesia. Performed in a hospital or surgical center, a vasectomy reversal is a more complicated procedure than a vasectomy, so microsurgery techniques are used to complete the procedure.
There are two different types of repair methods used to reconnect the vas deferens. The first method is a vasovasostomy, where a surgeon sews the previously served ends back together. If the vasovasostomy is not possible, the surgeon may elect to perform a vasoepididymostomy. This procedure is more complicated than a vasovasostomy and involves attaching the vas deferens to the epididymis, an organ at the back of the testicles that houses the sperm.
What You Need To Know About Vasectomy Reversals
When a man decides to get a vasectomy, it’s important to know that the procedure should be considered permanent. This is because while almost all vasectomies can be reversed on a structural level, they cannot guarantee the successful conception of a child. As a general rule of thumb, the longer it has been since the original vasectomy procedure, the more difficult it is for a vasectomy reversal to be successful.
Pregnancy rates after vasectomy reversal can range between 30% and 90%, depending on the individual and procedure. When considering a vasectomy reversal, you must first complete a physical exam and ensure sperm production is sufficient and that the sperm is healthy. It’s also important to test your partner’s fertility to ensure the conception of a child is possible. As with all surgeries, there are risks associated with vasectomy reversals, including infection at the surgery site, bleeding inside the scrotum with the possibility of hematoma and swelling, and persistent or chronic pain following the procedure.
Make An Appointment
Our team at Alliance Urology has years of experience performing vasectomies and vasectomy reversals and treating various genitourinary conditions. No matter what stage of life you’re in, Alliance Urology Specialists are here for you. For questions and inquiries, please contact us today at our office in Greensboro at (336) 274-1114.
