Do Vasectomy Reversal Procedures Have a High Success Rate?
By: Seomul Evans
Submitted: 2011-08-31 16:31:28 | Word Count: 666
It is not unusual to see men having second thoughts about a vasectomy surgery that they got done years ago. After all circumstances both financial and personal keep changing from time to time and these changes can make you rethink your decision of not fathering children in future. Almost 25,000 men decide to go in for vasectomy reversal each year so that they can start a family again. If you are also considering a vasectomy reversal, you need to understand that the reversal procedure is more complex than the initial surgery. Also, there is not telling if it will work and turn out to be a success. If this has got you wondering about the success rate of vasectomy reversal procedures; here is a look at your chances of becoming a father again ad the factors that may ruin your chances:
Even though the success rate of a vasectomy reversal is very high; there are several factors that will influence the outcome of such a procedure. One of the primary things the doctor will consider when analyzing the feasibility of vasectomy reversal for your specific scenario will be the number of year since the initial vasectomy procedure. If a decade or more has gone by since the original surgery, the chances of success even with a vasectomy reversal procedure will be limited. At best you stand 30% chances of regaining your fertility because several complications come into play when there is a big gap between the initial procedure and the intended vasectomy reversal surgery.
[ advertisement ]
There have been cases in which vasectomies that were older than 25 years were reversed successfully but these are few and far between. The number of years that have passed since the original operation are inversely proportional to the success rate of a vasectomy reversal. There are two different procedures that are used o reverse a vasectomy; the first is vasovasotomy which is used in people who have had the initial procedure within three years of the intended surgery. This procedure involves joining the severed ends of the tube called vas deferens with thin sutures.
However; there may be scarring tissue and blockages in people who have had the initial vasectomy procedure ten or more years before the intended reversal surgery. In this case the doctor may have to use another procedure known as the vasoepididymostomy where the vas deferens tube is joined directly to the epididymis. Both procedures are performed with the goal to remove or bypass the obstructions created by the vasectomy procedure and to regain fertility.
Another factor that will also have a bearing on the success rate of a vasectomy reversal procedure is the expertise and competence of the surgeon. Since a vasectomy reversal is by no means an inexpensive procedure, you need to ensure that the doctor who works on your case has the necessary experience and a good success rate with his/her prior clients. Talk to the doctor about the procedure, the possible risks and complications and the expected success rate.
Once you have made a decision about getting the procedure done, talk to the surgeon about what you need to do before the actual surgery. Many clinics will ask you to shave the genital area before the surgery while others will ask you to use certain types of underwear or clothing after the procedure. After the surgery, you will also be given instruction about the post surgery care and about the painkillers that can be used to alleviate discomfort.
If the vasectomy reversal procedure has worked out as planned, sperms will reappear in the seen in a few months; your surgeon will ask you to conduct a sperm reversal after the procedure to analyze if the surgery was successful. Pregnancy usually appears 12 to 18 months after the surgery depending on the health and count of the sperms and the fertility of your partner. If the first attempt at reversing the vasectomy has been unsuccessful, you can consider a second procedure or invitro fertilization to father a child biologically.
