Vasectomy Reversal In Men - An Overview

Introduction

Vasectomy is usually performed in men to prevent the chances of pregnancy. This procedure involves blocking the vas deferens tube, where the sperm cells (reproductive cells found in men) pass into the semen. This is done by cutting and blocking the vas deferens. In the vasectomy reversal procedure, the doctor will remove the scar tissue from the vas deference ends, align the ends of the tube, and sew them. If doing this is impossible in some cases, the doctor will sew to a different epididymis structure.

The vasectomy results are usually successful when the procedure is done sooner after a vasectomy. The success rates start declining fifteen years after a vasectomy. The success rates usually reduce over time and depend on other factors like the partner’s age, the healthcare provider's experience, and the blockage's location.

What Advantages Does a Vasectomy Reversal Procedure Have?

The main advantage of a vasectomy reversal procedure is that the chances of pregnancy increase with sexual intercourse. Other advantages include:

• The recovery period after vasectomy reversal is the same as vasectomy.

• After a successful vasectomy reversal procedure, additional surgeries may not be required to increase fertility.

• This procedure has relatively low side effects and a low risk of complications. People can return home the same day after the procedure.

• The procedure is more affordable than other fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization.

What to Keep In Mind Before a Vasectomy Reversal Procedure?

Before a vasectomy procedure, the doctor will take a detailed medical history and evaluate the patient's general health. Medical history includes a history of blood disorders, allergies to antibiotics or local anesthetics, and injuries or surgeries on the groin area, including the scrotum or genitals. Always inform the doctor if over-the-counter medications or prescription drugs are being taken. Certain herbal supplements, Aspirin, and anti-inflammatory drugs tend to increase the risk of bleeding in a person, so intake of it has to be informed by the doctor.

What Happens During the Vasectomy Reversal Procedure?

• The patient will be administered general anesthesia by the healthcare provider so that the patient sleeps during the entire duration of the procedure.

• Instead of general anesthesia, local anesthesia can also be administered. Local anesthesia does not make the patient go to sleep but rather numbs a small portion of the body.

• Once the patient falls asleep or becomes numb, the healthcare practitioner will make an incision in the scrotum, usually in the same place as the vasectomy scar.

• The doctor will then locate the end of the vas deferens and identify the vasectomy site or blocked areas.

• After that, the ends of the vas deferens will be pulled out through the incision site, and the blockage or scar tissue will be removed, leaving the cut ends of the vas deferens.

• They will then examine whether the fluid comes from the testicle to ensure the sperm is present.

• If seen, they will line up the cut ends of the vas deferens and sew them under the microscope.

• If no sperm content is seen, then more complicated operations may be required when the vas deferens are attached to a structure on top of the testicle which stores the sperm (epididymis).

• Once the repairs are done, the incision will be closed with stitches.

• The procedure usually takes up to four hours; most of the time, the patients can leave the hospital the same day after the procedure.

What Happens After the Vasectomy Reversal Procedure?

• After the procedure, the doctor will cover the stitches with bandages and stop the anesthesia.

• The doctor will move the patient into the recovery room and wait for the patient to wake up to monitor their overall health.

• Once the doctor decides that the patient does not require overall monitoring, they will discharge the patient and let them go home.

• After the vasectomy reversal, the patient will be advised to intermittently apply ice packs on the area for at least twenty-four hours.

• Mild pain can be relieved by over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen. Always check with the doctor before consuming any OTC NSAIDs.

• The doctor will prescribe a stronger pain reliever if the pain is severe.

What Are the Complications Associated With a Vasectomy Reversal Procedure?

• Vasectomy reversal procedures can be unsuccessful if a person has other underlying conditions that affect the testicles.

• Deep blockages can develop after the surgical intervention, which can prevent fertility.

• Speaking to a doctor if someone faces difficulty conceiving a child after the procedure is essential. The person might need a second vasectomy reversal or a different surgery to collect the sperms from the testicular area.

• Other risks associated with the procedure include pain, swelling, infection, bruising, unfavorable scarring, formation of a mass of clotted blood, healing issues, and risk of anesthesia.

What Is the Recovery Period After a Vasectomy Reversal Procedure?

1. Most people can resume normal activities within two days after the vasectomy reversal.

2. One week after the procedure, it is recommended to wear an athletic supporter.

3. After the procedure, strenuous activities should be avoided for one week, and sexual activities, including masturbation, should be avoided for about two to three weeks.

4. The area should also be kept as clean and dry as possible to prevent infection.

5. There are chances of developing complications like ripping the stitches, increased pain, and infection if a person does not take adequate time to recover fully.

6. Taking about five to seven days off from work is generally recommended. If the work is physically demanding, it is recommended to take about two weeks to recover.

Conclusion

A vasectomy reversal is a procedure that is done surgically, which allows the sperm to travel through tubules in the form of semen, thereby opening the possibility of a pregnancy. Vasectomy reversal occurs when people change their minds and wish to reverse the procedure. The surgery usually takes up to four hours. A vasectomy reversal procedure's success rate depends on when the person has had a vasectomy. The success rate is usually 60 to 95 % for the sperm to return while the person ejaculates, and pregnancy is possible more than 50 % of the time after the vasectomy reversal.