How successful is a vasectomy reversal?

A vasectomy reversal is an operation that reconnects the pathway that was sealed and cut off in a previous vasectomy procedure, allowing sperm to pass back into the semen. Sperm is constantly being produced even after a vasectomy.

Here, Mr Rajagopalan Sriram, renowned consultant urological surgeon, provides an expert insight into a vasectomy reversal. The Coventry-based specialist discusses how the procedure is performed and how successful is it, among other important points.

How is a vasectomy reversal performed?

A vasectomy reversal is done under a general anaesthetic and loop magnification, so that a connection can be established using really fine sutures between the cut ends of two small tubes.

Is it painful? How long does the procedure take to perform?

A vasectomy reversal can be uncomfortable, but patients will be given painkillers for a few days. Therefore, discomfort is generally not a major issue.

The procedure usually takes a couple of hours (including the anaesthetic time).

How successful is a vasectomy reversal?

The success depends on when a patient’s initial vasectomy was done. This is because the longer the interval between a vasectomy and a vasectomy reversal, the lower the success rate.

The best time to perform a vasectomy reversal is typically the first five years after a vasectomy. Success rates for a vasectomy reversal are also reasonable up to 10 years post-vasectomy, but tend to drop off significantly after that.

There are also other factors that affect the success rate of a reversal, including how the initial vasectomy was done and how a patient’s testes produce sperm. Patients need to be aware that a vasectomy reversal only aims to get sperm back in the semen and does not guarantee fatherhood, which depends on many other factors.

What are the associated risks and potential side effects?

Risks include bleeding, infection, blood clot in the scrotum (haematoma), damage to the testicle, pain, failure of the operation to get sperm back in the semen, and failure to have children despite having sperm in the semen.

Are all men who have previously undergone a vasectomy suitable for a reversal procedure?

The interval between a vasectomy and a vasectomy reversal is the most important factor to consider when it comes to determining if a patient is suitable. In addition, it is also important to ensure that the woman who is planning to become pregnant has no issues with becoming pregnant.

What can patients expect from the recovery period following a vasectomy reversal?

Patients can expect some discomfort and swelling in the area that lasts from a few days up to a couple of weeks. Patients also need to refrain from contact sports and sexual intercourse for up to four weeks.

As well as this, patients will also need to be prepared to give a semen sample three months after a vasectomy reversal. This sample will be used to look for sperm in the semen.

Mr Rajagopalan Sriram is a highly respected and skilled consultant urological surgeon with over 35 years’ experience.

If you are considering a vasectomy or a vasectomy reversal, and you would like to discuss your options with an expert, do not hesitate to book an appointment with Mr Sriram via his Top Doctors profile today.