If you’ve had a vasectomy, you’ve undergone a surgical procedure that cutting or blocked the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from your testicles to your urethra. It prevents your body from ejaculating sperm, making it an effective form of permanent birth control.
That being said, life circumstances and personal desires can change. And if you’ve had a vasectomy but now you want to restore your fertility, you’re not alone. Up to 6% of men who get vasectomies end up choosing vasectomy reversal for one reason or another.
Our team at Advanced Urology specializes in microscopic vasectomy reversal in our offices in Culver City, Los Angeles, Redondo Beach, and San Pedro, California. We’re here to help you understand the procedure and help you decide if it’s a good option for you.
To understand vasectomy reversal, it’s important to understand vasectomy first. During a vasectomy, your doctor blocks or cuts your vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from your testicles.
The procedure prevents sperm from mixing with semen. As a result, your semen is sperm-free, even though you can still ejaculate. Without sperm, your semen can’t fertilize an egg during intercourse.
Vasectomy is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. It should be considered a permanent decision regarding fertility, not a decision to take lightly. But if your circumstances have changed, you might find yourself wanting to father children — and vasectomy reversal could be a potential solution.
Vasectomy reversal, or vasovasostomy, is a surgical procedure that aims to reconnect your vas deferens. The procedure involves intricate microsurgery to join the severed ends of your vas deferens back together, so sperm begins to mix with your semen again. If surgery is successful, it can restore your fertility.
While vasectomy is a relatively straightforward procedure, vasectomy reversal is more complex. While it can be up to 90% successful, it's essential to recognize that its effectiveness varies, and success isn’t guaranteed.
Success rates for vasectomy reversal depend on factors like the length of time since your vasectomy, the surgical technique your doctor used during your original procedure, and your individual fertility factors.
Generally, your chances of a successful reversal decline the longer it’s been since your vasectomy. That’s because scar tissue and other complications can develop over time, hindering the process.
It's also important to note that even if your reversal procedure is successful, pregnancy might not happen immediately. Factors like your partner's fertility and other underlying reproductive issues can impact the time it takes to conceive following a vasectomy reversal.
Life is unpredictable, and vasectomy reversal offers hope for those who want children after a vasectomy. Learn more about your options and find out if vasectomy reversal could be an option for you at Advanced Urology. Call us at 310-670-9119 or request a consultation online today.
