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Vasectomy Reversal Options

sound_foundation | May 10, 2010 |

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Many men who have had a vasectomy early in life can be faced with complex vasectomy reversal options later in life. Should they get surgery to restore fertility and what are the vasectomy reversal options available? The basic options are represented most closely by two cases: a vas-to-vas reconnect or a more complicated but still effective epididymis bypass method. Both of these methods can, in many cases, restore fertility and allow a man to start a family should he change his mind about having children.

Vasectomy Reversal Options - Vas Deferens Reconnect

In the initial vasectomy the vas deferens is snipped in two. Usually a small piece of the tubing is also removed and the ends are cauterized or clipped or both. This is effective for sterilization because it simply removes the pipeline that the sperm travel down. Restoring the connection between the two vas deferens ends is the least complicated of the vasectomy reversal options. It is usually impossible for a doctor to totally predict the likelihood that this method can be used until the surgery begins. The fluid coming from the vas deferens is examined and if significant sperm are present, generally the vas-to-vas reconnect is possible and chosen. Microsurgery using very fine thread sews the two ends back together and restores the channel for sperm. The highest success rates for a vas deferens reconnect occurs in men that are within three years of the original date of their initial vasectomy. Even though this is the easier and less complicated approach, it still involves microsurgery and poses risks and complications.

Vasectomy Reversal Options - Epididymis Bypass

If upon the initial examination of the vas deferens little sperm or fluid is present, it may be due to a blockage in the epididymis further down the line. The nickname for this is a "blowout" and is a somewhat common event following a vasectomy. The doctor must then proceed to find a spot that can be reached before the blockage and then the vas deferens can be connected to this portion of the epididymis allowing the sperm to flow unimpeded to its destination. This is similar in concept to a standard heart bypass. The blockage is circumvented and flow is restored. Again, this is microsurgery using precision tools and sutures finer than a human hair. It is still risky and problems can develop.

The vas deferens reconnect and the epididymis bypass are the two principal types of vasectomy reversal options available to men seeking to restore fertility. If it is discovered that either of these vasectomy reversal options are not possible due to likelihood of success or potential danger to the patient, there are still other alternative vasectomy reversal methods that can be considered by those wishing to have a child. There are many considerations in reversing a vasectomy and consultation with a doctor is mandatory before reaching a decision. The advice and recommendations of the physician should be listened to carefully. The biological need for a child may be strong in some, but it should never over-ride the safety and health of either partner in the process. It is also important to plan financing options ahead of time. Most vasectomy reversal options are not covered by insurance. For many couples, a childless future is no longer appealing and in today's medical world there is a great chance to have a family years after seeking sterilization.