Vasectomy Reversal

Whatever your reasons for changing your mind about your vasectomy, Dr. Houman can help. Vasectomy reversal can be effective based on various factors, and Dr. Houman can help you determine your best options during a consultation.

What is Vasectomy Reversal?

Vasectomy reversal is a surgical procedure to restore fertility after you have a vasectomy. When successful, you’ll have a greater chance of getting your partner pregnant. It works by reattaching the vas deferens so that sperm can again be carried from the testicles to the semen in the prostate – ultimately, your ejaculate will once again contain sperm cells. Vasectomy reversal is not always 100% effective, and its success can depend on many different factors. Dr. Houman can give you the best estimate of what results you can expect from a vasectomy reversal procedure.

Is Vasectomy Reversal Right for Me?

There are many different reasons that men opt for vasectomy reversal. In some instances, you might change your mind about having children because of life events like remarriage or the loss of a child. In other cases, you might be experiencing chronic pain after your vasectomy.

It’s important to keep in mind that vasectomy reversal is not always successful. There are many factors that can impact this, including age, the time since your initial vasectomy, and the original surgeon. Dr. Houman can assess your situation and help you have the right expectations for your fertility after a vasectomy reversal – and whether undergoing a reversal procedure is the best option for you and your partner.

What is the Recovery Time After a Vasectomy Reversal?

Your recovery from a vasectomy reversal will be just like your recovery from your initial vasectomy. It’s best to bring a pair of tight-fitting spandex shorts to your procedure so you can put them on immediately afterward. This helps support the area and reduce stress on the incision. Make sure to have ice packs or bags of frozen peas at home to use for the first one to two days. This helps reduce swelling and discomfort. You’ll also be given instructions on taking medications like ibuprofen, and take these according to instructions so you can recover.

Make sure to limit your activity level for the first few days. Also avoid swimming, hot tubs, or baths for the first few days until your incision heals. Finally, avoid sexual activity and ejaculation for the first two to three weeks. Dr. Houman can give you the best idea of when to return to your normal schedule after your procedure.

How Successful is a Vasectomy Reversal?

The success rate of a vasectomy reversal depends on a few factors, including the length of time since the vasectomy, the type of vasectomy, the age of the man, and your surgeon. Generally, the success rate is higher for men who have had their vasectomy within the last 10 years, and for those who had a vasovasostomy, which is a type of vasectomy reversal that reconnects the vas deferens directly. The success rate of a vasectomy reversal also decreases with age, as sperm quality decreases with age. The success rate of a vasectomy reversal is typically between 90-98%. However, it is important to note that this success rate is not a guarantee, and there is no guarantee that a man will be able to father a child after a vasectomy reversal.

What are Pregnancy Rates after a Vasectomy Reversal?

A study involving over 1,000 men showed varying results depending on the time since their vasectomy. For those who had a vasectomy reversal within three years, 97% achieved sperm in their semen and 76% achieved pregnancy with their partner. From 3-8 years, 88% had sperm in the semen and 53% achieved pregnancy. For those whose reversals occurred between 9-14 years, 79% had sperm in the ejaculate and 44% achieved pregnancy. After 15 years, 71% had sperm in the ejaculate and 30% achieved pregnancy.

What Is the Difference Between Vasovasostomy and Vasoepididymostomy?

A vasovasostomy is a surgical procedure used to restore fertility in men who have had a vasectomy. It involves reconnecting the two ends of the vas deferens, the tube that carries sperm from the testicles to the urethra. The procedure has a much higher success rate in restoring fertility than a vasoepididymostomy.

A vasoepididymostomy is a more complex procedure used to restore fertility in men who have had a vasectomy or have a blockage in the epididymis, the tube that carries sperm from the testicles to the vas deferens. This procedure involves connecting the vas deferens directly to the epididymis, bypassing the blockage. The success rate of this procedure is lower than that of a vasovasostomy, but it may be the only option for men with a blockage in the epididymis.

How Long Does It Take for Sperm to Appear in Ejaculate After Vasectomy Reversal?

In a vasovasostomy, it typically takes between three and six months for sperm to appear in ejaculate after a vasectomy reversal. This is because the sperm must travel through the epididymis, a long, coiled tube located behind each testicle, to reach the ejaculate. During this time, the sperm are maturing and gaining the ability to swim. The time it takes for sperm to appear in ejaculate after a vasectomy reversal can vary from person to person, and is dependent on the success of the reversal procedure.

It may take from 3 to 15 months after a vasoepididymostomy.

Schedule an Appointment

A vasectomy reversal has the greatest chance of success when performed by a board-certified urologist. Dr. Houman is the best vasectomy reversal doctor in Los Angeles based on volume and experience. To learn more about your options and outlook, contact our office to meet with Dr. Houman by calling (310) 854-7822 or filling out our online form.

An expert in his field

Meet Dr. Houman

Dr. Justin Houman is a board-certified, fellowship-trained Urologist and Men’s Health specialist whose mission is to enhance men’s quality of life by improving their sexual and reproductive health. Dr. Houman’s focus is on making a difference in people’s lives through state-of-the-art, compassionate, and personally tailored care.

       

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