Reversing Vasectomy - Know the Facts First!

Although a vasectomy is generally regarded as a permanent procedure, reversing vasectomy is possible. Statistics show that 10% of patients who go through a vasectomy will return in five to ten years to reverse it.

Some of the common reasons for reversing vasectomy include the death or imminent death of a child or the remarriage of a man. Sometimes, couples may also change their minds and decide to have more children after a vasectomy has been done. There are two methods to undoing a vasectomy, both involving microsurgery. And because of this, it is imperative that you find a surgeon who is skilled and experienced in reverse vasectomy operations.

How to Reverse a Vasectomy

The first method of reversing vasectomy is a vasovasostomy, wherein the tubes of the vas deferens are rejoined. This is usually done when there are still sperm found in the vas deferens after an examination.

The second method is called an epididymostomy, wherein the tubes of the vas deferens are connected to the epididymis. It is a more complex procedure than a vasovasostomy since this is used only when there is no sperm found, indicating that there has been ‘blockage’. Both procedures will require the patient to remain in the hospital after the operation for about two to three days.

Reversing vasectomy, however, is still reliant on a number of aspects including when the initial vasectomy was performed, the age of the patient and how much was cut off from the vas deferens. For instance, undoing a vasectomy is difficult in cases wherein there has been cutting off at both ends of the tubes of the vas deferens instead of just one.

Reversing a vasectomy is recommended for those who are under the age of forty, since men who are older are placed at a greater risk. It is also advisable for those whose partners can still get pregnant and those whose initial vasectomies occurred less than seven years ago.

Recovery periods are pretty much the same as an ordinary vasectomy. You will be asked to wear a jock strap as support for the first six weeks and will be advised to avoid sexual intercourse and strenuous sports for up to four weeks after the procedure.

Since most health insurance companies will not cover the cost of undoing a vasectomy through a surgical procedure, you still have other options if you would like to have children. If you cannot afford a procedure of reversing a vasectomy, you can choose to adopt a child or look for a sperm donor to achieve pregnancy. Surgical sperm retrieval can also be done and then stored for use at a later date.