Vasectomy is a permanent method of male contraception. During the procedure, your doctor cuts the vas deferens, the tubes that supply sperm to your semen. Once you recover, your semen no longer contains sperm. Vasectomy is one of the most effective ways of preventing pregnancy, succeeding nearly 100% of the time.
That being said, life circumstances change. If you had a vasectomy, and now you’re considering starting or expanding your family, the good news is that vasectomy reversal is possible.
However, it’s a more complex procedure than the original vasectomy — and it requires experience and precision. Our team at Advanced Urology specializes in vasectomy reversal microsurgery at our offices in Culver City, Los Angeles, Redondo Beach, and San Pedro, California. Here’s how we reverse your vasectomy.
A vasectomy reversal restores your fertility by reconnecting the vas deferens, the tubes that were cut or sealed during a vasectomy.
Rejoining the vas deferens allows sperm to mix with semen again, making conception possible. The two main types of vasectomy reversal are:
Vasovasostomy is the most common type of vasectomy reversal. It reconnects the ends of your vas deferens. We usually recommend this method when there is still sperm in your vas deferens near the point where your vasectomy was done.
We may opt for vasoepididymostomy when a blockage is present in your epididymis, which is the structure attached to your testicle. This type of reversal connects the vas deferens directly to the epididymis.
Our team will decide which technique is best for you based on the condition of your vas deferens and whether sperm is present during surgery.
Success rates for vasectomy reversal vary based on a few factors. Generally, the shorter the time between the vasectomy and the reversal, the higher the success rate.
We measure success by measuring the amount of sperm in your semen or by a successful pregnancy. In cases where a reversal is performed within 10 years of the vasectomy, success rates are as high as 95%. Beyond 10 years, the success rate gradually decreases, but it’s still a viable option for many men.
These factors contribute to a reversal’s success:
If a vasectomy reversal isn’t successful or isn’t the right option for you, there are alternatives for achieving pregnancy. Sperm retrieval combined with in vitro fertilization (IVF) is one option that can allow couples to conceive without vasectomy reversal.
Vasectomy reversal is typically an outpatient procedure that takes about two to four hours, depending on the complexity of your case. We use general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation to keep you comfortable, and the surgeon makes small incisions in your scrotum to access and reconnect the vas deferens.
Recovery from vasectomy reversal usually takes about one to two weeks. During this time, you should avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and sexual activity to allow proper healing. Mild discomfort, swelling, or bruising is common, but these symptoms typically subside within a few days.
Considering reversing your vasectomy? Learn more about your options with an appointment at Advanced Urology. Our specialists are here to assess your situation, review your medical history, and discuss the potential results of vasectomy reversal for you. Call us at 310-670-9119 or request an appointment online to get started.
