Preparing for a Vasectomy Reversal

Of all the men who undergo vasectomies in the United States, somewhere between six and 10 percent of them change their minds later in life. If you are someone who has undergone a vasectomy and now you want to start or grow your family, your past vasectomy doesn’t need to stand in your way. Vasectomy reversals are much more effective than they were in the past, and today, somewhere between 80 and 95 percent of men who undergo this procedure successfully regain their fertility. If you are looking into a vasectomy reversal, here are some facts you should know about how to prepare and what to expect.

Before Surgery

The first step, of course, is to find an accomplished microsurgeon with experience in performing vasectomy reversals. Unlike a vasectomy, which is a fairly simple procedure, a vasectomy reversal is both delicate and intricate. It has been compared to sewing together two pieces of spaghetti, and it requires a skilled surgeon and microscopic sutures. Once you have found your surgeon, ask as many questions as you need to, to understand the procedure you are about to have. Your surgeon’s team will provide you with preoperative instructions, and you should follow these instructions to the letter. Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery, and don’t take blood thinners for several days before the procedure. Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking during your preoperative visit. You may be asked to shave the front of your scrotum before going to the surgical center, and you should bring loose fitting clothing and an athletic supporter to wear home. Make sure someone comes with you, to drive you home from the surgery.

What is Involved in Vasectomy Reversal Surgery?

Your vasectomy reversal surgery will depend on your unique situation. Typically, a vasectomy reversal is done through small incisions made on each side of the upper scrotum. The surgeon locates the vas deferens, and identifies the vasectomy site. After this is accomplished, scar tissue will be removed, and the vas will be divided above and below the site of the vasectomy. The two sides will be examined, and if the presence of sperm is detected or there is freely flowing fluid, the ends will simply be reconnected. In some cases, however, there is no fluid present, or the fluid is thick and pasty. This is more common in vasectomies that were performed more than 10 years prior to reversal, and it can mean a blockage in the epididymis. In this situation, a vasoepididymostomy is performed, connecting the vas deferens to the epididymis. It is a more complex procedure but can be done on the spot if your surgeon determines you need it.

Recovering from Your Vasectomy Reversal

Vasectomy reversal is an outpatient procedure, and it takes two to three hours. After that, you can go home, and you will probably be uncomfortable and achy for a day or two. For the first day, ice packs on and off every 20 minutes will help alleviate discomfort and reduce swelling. You will see the doctor the day after the procedure, and your drains will be removed. For the first 30 days after surgery, it is crucial to wear a snug scrotal support, to keep the testes from hanging down. This protects your repair from tugging that could damage it. It is also important to refrain from sexual activity for at least three weeks after your vasectomy reversal.

Contact Center for Vasectomy Reversal for Fertility Support

A past vasectomy need not prevent you from starting a family, but the most important thing you can do to boost your chances of conception after a vasectomy is to choose an experienced surgeon to perform your vasectomy reversal. At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more about the work we do or our discounts for active duty military and veterans, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.