Vasectomy Reversal
What is it?
Vasectomy is a process in which the passage of sperm is obstructed in their way from the testicles to the penis.
Although it is considered a permanent contraceptive method, it does not prevent the production of sperm itself, but causes only an obstruction. Therefore, it is possible to reverse it, and it may be a viable option in some cases.
How is it done?
In this surgery, the vas deferens are re-linked so that sperm passage can be retrieved, making it possible for it to be mixed along with the seminal fluid and proceed to ejaculation.
In a vasectomy reversal process, we can bind the vans deferens (the passageway where sperms flow from the testicles to the seminal vesicle) back together, or bind the vans deferens with the epididymis (which lies beside the testicles and is the place where the sperms grow and gain motility). This is all done only with the aid of image magnification (surgery microscope).
There are some factors that may have some influence over the surgery’s success, such as how much time it has passed since the vasectomy, the appliance of microsurgery technique, how much experienced is the surgeon and the presence of sperm (in an evaluated secretion from the vas deferens and testicles) during the surgery.
Whom should do it?
In general, it’s recommended to men that had already passed through vasectomy but want to have children again, in a natural way.
The most frequent recommendations happen in cases such as the following:
- When a man loses some child in death, or that passed through a vasectomy when they were younger and now changed their mind, or even engaged in a new relationship and manifest the desire of having more kids
- Less than 15 years passed since vasectomy
- Lack of infertility provoking diseases, such as varicocele
- Healthy men with a fertility favorable life style
- A female partner that has nothing that could prevent natural pregnancy, with good health and less than 35 years old
For this reversal surgery to be indicated, it is necessary that the couple pass through an evaluation to see if there could be anything that could reduce pregnancy success rate after it.