Vasectomy Reversal
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Mike Hsieh, MD
Urologists & Men's Health Specialists located in La Jolla, CA
Whether triggered by divorce or the loss of a child, many men choose to have their vasectomies reversed. With advances in surgical techniques, a vasectomy reversal can restore fertility for most men. Mike Hsieh, MD, 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 the vasectomy reversal procedure. For a consultation with the men’s health specialists, call the office or request an appointment online today.
Vasectomy Reversal Q & A
What is a vasectomy reversal?
The vasectomy reversal is a surgical procedure that reconnects the pathway (vas deferens) so your sperm can travel from your testicles to your semen. Men choose to reverse their vasectomy for many reasons, including change of heart, new marriage, or loss of a child.
Because the vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure, reversal only requires reattaching the previously severed vas deferens. The experienced team is experts at vasectomy reversal and can talk to you about the procedure and whether it’s the right choice for you.
How is a vasectomy reversal performed?
Your vasectomy reversal is performed in the outpatient area of a hospital or ambulatory surgery center under general anesthesia.
The surgical experts perform the procedure using microsurgery, which involves the use of high-powered microscopes that magnify the structures for better results. With the use of microsurgery, 90-95% of men experience a return of sperm to their semen.
During the vasectomy reversal, your urologist makes a small cut on each side of your scrotum and removes the scarred ends of your vas deferens at the point of blockage.
Your urologist then extracts fluid from the portion of your vas deferens attached to your testicle to check for sperm and assess for obstructions that may hinder sperm movement.
If sperm are present in the fluid, your urologist reconnects the two ends of the vas deferens to reestablish the passageway. If a blockage is found, a more complicated procedure, referred to as epididymovasostomy or vasoepididymostomy, is performed.
What happens after a vasectomy reversal?
The team at the Men’s Health Center provides specific instructions on what to expect following your vasectomy reversal, including pain, wound care, and activity. You should be able to resume light activity within a week and sex within 2-3 weeks.
Pregnancy following a vasectomy reversal depends on many factors, but most couples get pregnant within 4-12 months of the procedure.
How much does a vasectomy reversal cost?
The men’s health specialists work closely with you to help make your vasectomy reversal as affordable as possible.
Unlike your vasectomy, a vasectomy reversal may not be covered by insurance. The insurance verification team provides all the information about coverage and costs prior to the procedure so there are no surprises.
To schedule your vasectomy reversal consultation with the experienced team at Mike Hsieh, MD, call the office or click the online booking tool today.
