A vasectomy is a simple surgical procedure that’s the most effective form of birth control other than abstinence. These days, most urologists perform a type of vasectomy called the no-scalpel vasectomy, in which they simply puncture the scrotum and sever and cauterize the vas deferens tubes, which carry sperm to the urethra.
No-scalpel vasectomies are fast, virtually pain-free, and require little downtime or recovery. If you’d like to reverse your vasectomy, however, the process is more involved.
Alex Lesani, MD, an expert urologist, performs vasectomy and vasectomy reversal at his Las Vegas office. Not all men who had vasectomies are candidates for vasectomy reversal. And, though most vasectomy reversals can result in future pregnancies, not all will.
The more recent your vasectomy was, the more successful your vasectomy reversal is likely to be. If you’re older, you may also now have lower testosterone levels or other signs of aging that could slightly reduce your fertility. However, there’s no age limit for vasectomy reversal, as long as you’re in good health.
If your partner is over age 40, Dr. Lesani may recommend that she undergo fertility testing to be sure she can conceive a child before you proceed with vasectomy reversal. Pregnancy rates after vasectomy reversal range between 30-90%.
Unlike vasectomy — which is a simple and fast procedure — vasectomy reversal is more involved and takes more skill. Although it’s usually performed on an outpatient basis with a local anesthetic to keep you numb and pain-free, you may need to undergo general anesthesia. During your consultation, Dr. Lesani tells you which is the better option in your case.
Because the severed vas deferens tubes are so small, you should only entrust your vasectomy reversal to a urologist who specializes in micro-surgery, such as Dr. Lesani. While it’s fairly easy to cut and cauterize the tiny tubes, opening and re-attaching them takes finesse and expertise.
Vasectomy reversal is an elective procedure, and so probably won’t be covered by your insurance. Out-of-pocket costs can be double to ten times those of the vasectomy itself.
The vas deferens tubes are reattached in one of two different ways. Dr. Lesani won’t know which method is better for you until he tests your tubes during the procedure.
A vasovasostomy is the simpler way to reverse a vasectomy. Your surgeon simply cuts off the sealed edges of each half of the tube, then stitches them back together with thread that’s thinner than a strand of hair.
Before performing a vasovasostomy, however, your surgeon checks to be sure there’s sperm in the tube portion nearest your testes. If the tube half doesn’t have sperm, he may need to perform a more complex reversal called a vasoepididymostomy.
If there are no sperm in the tube nearest the testicles, or if the liquid is clear rather than cloudy, then Dr. Lesani may perform vasoepididymostomy. In this type of reversal, he attaches the portion of the vas deferens nearest the urethra to the epididymis, which is an organ behind the testicles that holds sperm.
A vasoepididymostomy is more complicated than a vasovasostomy, but both methods can effectively restore your fertility. You may also need both types of reversals, one for each branch of your vas deferens.
As with vasectomy, your vasectomy reversal requires a recovery process that can last several weeks in total. You may need to:
If you’re ready to reverse your vasectomy and grow your family again, call us at 702-470-2579. You can also book online at your convenience.
