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If you have had a vasectomy and now wish to reverse it to allow for a pregnancy, you’re not alone. Some 6-10% of people who undergo a vasectomy end up changing their minds at some point. Luckily, the vasectomy reversal procedure is only minimally invasive and holds a high success rate.
Dr. Mike Hsieh, the director of the Men's Health Center at the University of California, San Diego, and Jose Luis Ruiz, PA, in La Jolla, California, are experts in vasectomy reversal procedures. Take a few moments to learn more about this procedure, including how effective it can be.
Like a vasectomy, a vasectomy reversal is an outpatient procedure that’s performed under general anesthesia. During the surgery, Dr. Hsieh reconnects the vas deferens that was disconnected during your vasectomy so that sperm can flow from your testicles to your semen again.
While this sounds relatively simple, it’s more complicated than the vasectomy itself, typically requiring advanced microsurgical techniques to restore functionality. This is partly because the vas deferens is so small, with tubes about the size of a pencil tip. However, Dr. Hsieh and his team are well-versed in this process.
Virtually all vasectomies can be reversed, although reversal does not guarantee the ability to achieve pregnancy. Factors that help ensure that the procedure itself is successful, meaning sperm is able to flow normally toward an egg, include the experience and qualifications of your provider and how many years have passed since your initial procedure. Other factors that can influence whether or not you’re able to conceive after your reversal include your age and the age of your partner.
All in all, the success rate of reconnecting the vas deferens is about 90%. And the chances of a couple achieving pregnancy within a couple of years is 40-50%. Overall, however, we find that most couples achieve pregnancy within 4-12 months of the procedure.
After your vasectomy reversal, you’ll follow a recovery plan that typically involves a few days of rest and icing your incision. You’ll also need to avoid intercourse for a couple of weeks.
Given that it can take a few weeks to several months or longer for the sperm to make its way to your semen, practicing patience is important following vasectomy reversal. If you end up having difficulty conceiving, you can consider freezing sperm to use for in vitro fertilization. We also provide male infertility support, should you end up needing it.
To learn more about vasectomy reversal or get the treatment you desire, call our office or send us a message through our website.
