Having a family is a big commitment and many 21st Century couples want a high degree of control over how many more children to have. Some couples have made the decision to limit the size of their family and opt to undergo a vasectomy. Because circumstances and relationships frequently change, a lot of men wish to have more children later in life; even after they have previously undergone a vasectomy.
Although a vasectomy is generally considered a permanent method of birth control, a procedure known as a vasovasostomy can reverse the effects by reconnecting the tubes that were previously severed during a vasectomy.
The procedure itself is usually accomplished in a doctor’s clinic as an outpatient. A vasectomy reversal usually takes anywhere from three to six hours including recovery from anesthesia. While you can return home the day of the surgery, it would be advisable to bring someone who can drive you home as you may still feel groggy from the anesthesia.
Post Vasectomy Reversal
As with any surgery, you will likely experience postoperative pain, bruising, and swelling. Pain will be mild to moderate and easily managed with medication and rest. Normal activities, including sexual intimacy, may be resumed after approximately a month. Additionally, you will be provided with very specific recovery instructions including wound care and restrictions on physical exercise. It is paramount to follow these very closely in order to promote proper healing and maximize your surgical results.
High Degree of Success
Vasectomy reversal surgeries have a high degree of success, but depend largely upon the elapsed time between the initial vasectomy and vasovasostomy procedure. Broadly speaking, a vasectomy reversal leads to post-surgical pregnancy rates of more than 50% and sees the greatest success rates within three years after the initial vasectomy. Subsequently, post-surgical pregnancy rates drastically decline with the increase of time and after ten years the success rate is only thirty percent.
Surgical Risks
While a vasectomy reversal is a fairly routine and straightforward procedure, there are inherent surgical risks. While extremely rare, the risks of a vasectomy reversal include surgical site infection, fluid buildup in the scrotum, and arterial injury. These risks can be greatly mitigated by closely following the physician’s pre- and post-operative instructions as well as a straightforward discussion during the initial consultation.
Many men have undergone a vasectomy in order to close one aspect of their life. Fortunately, a vasectomy reversal can help these same men be virile once again.
