• Skip to content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Shop ModernMom
  • Become An Insider

ModernMom

The premiere destination for moms

  • Parenting
    • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Kids
    • Tweens and Teens
    • ModernMom Monday Videos
  • Cooking
  • Living Healthy
    • Breast Cancer
    • Health & Fitness
    • Body after Baby
    • Beauty
    • Relationships
    • Love
  • Lifestyle
    • Crafts
    • At Home
    • Education
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Decorate
    • Money
    • Brooke Burke
  • Celebrate
    • Holidays
      • Easter
      • Valentine’s Day
      • New Year’s
      • Christmas
      • Hanukah
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
    • Birthdays
    • Parties
  • Must Have
  • Contests
  • Entertainment

About Vasectomy Reversal Procedures

October 11, 2016 by ModernMom Staff Leave a Comment

During a vasectomy the vas deferens, which carry the sperm to the semen, are cut. Since the sperm can’t reach the semen, pregnancy is prevented. Vasectomy reversal procedures are usually done in order to restore fertility and have a child. As circumstances change in a man’s life, his desire to have children may also change, which may lead him to consider a vasectomy reversal.

Options

There are two main types of vasectomy reversal procedures. The type of surgery done is often decided once a surgeon views the fluid from the vas deferens. When the fluid has sperm in it and is clear, the two ends of the vas deferens that were cut in a vasectomy are reconnected. This is called a vasovasostomy. When sperm is not present in the fluid, it may be due to the formation of scar tissue. In this case, a procedure known as a vasoepididymostomy may be done. This involves connecting the vas deferens to the epididymis on the testicle. Both procedures require an incision in the scrotum to get to the vas deferens.

Considerations

Vasectomy reversal procedures are considered microsurgery and are more complicated and delicate than vasectomies. Reversals may be done under general anesthesia, which put a person to sleep, or with an epidural to block pain. Most procedures take 4 hours or less and are done on an outpatient basis. Costs vary, and not all health insurance plans cover a vasectomy reversal.

Success Rates

Although most men who have had a vasectomy are eligible for a reversal, various factors affect whether the reversal works. The amount of time lapsed between the vasectomy and the reversal procedure affects the outcome. The less time, the better the outcome. The type of procedure may have some effect on success rates. Although fertility may be restored within a month, it may take up to a year for sperm to be found in the semen after a reversal.

Recovery

After the anesthesia or epidural wears off, most men will feel some discomfort in their scrotum. The pain may last up to a week. An over-the-counter pain medication may help. To reduce swelling, you’ll be instructed to wear a jockstrap. Ice may be applied to help reduce inflammation and pain. Sexual intercourse should be avoided for 4 weeks while healing occurs.

Complications

Although vasectomy reversal procedures are considered safe, complications can occur. There is a risk of infection at the incision site. In addition, there’s a small chance that the procedure may result in nerve damage. Excess bleeding in the scrotum may also occur. Occasionally, sperm will leak into the scrotum, causing inflammation and a condition called sperm granuloma.

Comments

comments

Filed Under: Pregnancy

About ModernMom Staff

Reader Interactions

Primary Sidebar

Search

Tell a friend

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

ModernMom TV

Featured

Brooke Burke: My Slim Down Secrets

Everywhere I look, I hear about a new fitness fad, a quick … [Read More...] about Brooke Burke: My Slim Down Secrets

Must Have

STEM-related Toys to Include in Your Child’s Easter Basket This Year 

April has arrived which means it’s time to pull out the food … [Read More...] about STEM-related Toys to Include in Your Child’s Easter Basket This Year 

Did you know?

diabetes in infants

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes in Infants

Night Sweats During Pregnancy

Night Sweats During Pregnancy

Emotional Development of Adolescents

early signs you are pregnant with twins

Early Signs You Are Pregnant With Twins

When Can a Baby Hear in the Womb

When Can a Baby Hear in the Womb ?

Freeze Cooked & Smoked Ham

How to Freeze Cooked & Smoked Ham

Can You Get Pregnant Without Menstruating?

Breast Pains & Pregnancy

Breast Pains & Pregnancy

Fix-a-Broken-Slab-of-Marble

How to Fix a Broken Slab of Marble

10 foods to improve sperm count and quality

10 Foods to Improve Sperm Count and Quality

Footer

  • About Us
  • Contact ModernMom
  • Advertise With Us
  • Press
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Contributors

Copyright © 2023 Modern Mom. All Rights Reserved.

Reproduction of any portion of this website only at the express permission of Mom, Inc.

The information provided on ModernMom is for educational use only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.