Procedural Details
Vasectomy reversal reconnects the male reproductive tract where it was previously interrupted by a vasectomy to restore the flow of sperm. Through a small incision on the scrotum, Dr. Turek exposes the vas deferens and examines the separated ends before determining exactly how to reconnect the passageway.
There are multiple microsurgical approaches to reconnect the male reproductive tract.
Epididymovasostomy connects the vas deferens to the epididymis (the 18-foot-long tubule on the back of the testicle that transports sperm to the vas deferens) to recreate a passageway for sperm. This approach is recommended when microscopic analysis of fluid taken from the testicular end of the obstructed vasal segment reveals the absence of sperm.
Vasovasostomy connects both ends of the vas deferens directly when analysis of fluid taken from the testicular side of the obstructed vasal segment confirms the presence of sperm.
Cost-effectiveness is critical when deciding how to achieve your family building goals. Dr. Turek offers state-of-the-art microsurgical techniques and world-class quality of care at competitive prices. The package-pricing structure is clear and up-front, without hidden fees or expenses.
Vasectomy reversals can fail for several different reasons, including the female partner’s reproductive health, abnormal sperm quality before the vasectomy or the development of antisperm antibodies or scar tissue. The best results of vasectomy reversal are obtained by surgeons like Dr. Turek, who have considerable training and experience.
Dr. Turek offers the option of retrieving healthy sperm during vasectomy reversal to bank and use for future assisted reproductive treatment (e.g.,
in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection). The sperm can be taken from the testicle, epididymal tube or vas deferens prior to reconnecting the system.
When vasectomy reversal is performed by a properly trained, experienced microsurgeon, serious complications are very rare. Far less than 1 percent of his patients experience problems with anesthesia or develop an infection, and less than 1 percent of patients develop hematoma (i.e., a collection of blood at the surgical site).
Preparing for vasectomy reversal begins with a consultation with Dr. Turek, during which he will learn more about your expectations for surgery and assess whether it is right for your needs. You will also learn as much as possible about the procedure and Dr. Turek will answer your questions.
If you decide to have vasectomy reversal, Dr. Turek and our team will provide complete instructions for preparing for your procedure and planning for aftercare.
Choosing a Vasectomy Reversal Doctor
When considering a procedure like vasectomy reversal, the surgeon you select should focus exclusively on men’s sexual and reproductive health, understand your treatment needs and expectations and be able to meet (or exceed) them. Thousands of men have trusted Dr. Turek for safe, successful treatment and the opportunity to expand their families.
Dr. Turek’s vasectomy reversal success rate is virtually unprecedented. He invites you to read through his published papers and the incredible success stories of his patients who went on to father children after vasectomy reversal.
Vasectomy Reversal FAQs
What happens on the day of surgery?
Vasectomy reversal is performed on an outpatient basis under light general anesthesia. The procedure typically takes between two and four hours. You can return home shortly afterward to recover.
Can I drive myself home from the surgery?
No. You will receive anesthesia for your vasectomy reversal, so you will need someone to drive you home from surgery.
What happens if there is no sperm in the vas deferens at the time of vasectomy reversal?
No sperm in the vas deferens suggests a blockage in another area of the reproductive tract, likely the epididymis. If this is the case, Dr. Turek connects the vas deferens to the epididymis to recreate a passageway for sperm.
What are the aftereffects of vasectomy reversal?
Expect some scrotal swelling near the incisions after vasectomy removal. Your scrotal skin and the base of your penis may also be bruised and discolored. Most patients average three to four pain pills after the procedure over the next several days. These aftereffects generally subside a few days after surgery.
As a result of general anesthesia, you may have a sore throat, nausea and constipation for a day or so after surgery.
What does the recovery from vasectomy reversal entail?
The recovery from vasectomy removal is usually short, and severe pain is rare. The pain is similar to that of a vasectomy, and men take an average of three to four pain pills during their recovery. Mild discomfort is alleviated with over-the-counter medication such as Tylenol or ibuprofen. Ice packs or bags of frozen vegetables applied to the scrotum for the first 24 hours also help ease discomfort and reduce swelling.
If drains are placed in the scrotum during the procedure (there is a 5 percent chance this will occur), they are typically removed the next day.
Dr. Turek will advise you to refrain from strenuous physical activity, including heavy lifting, for approximately two to three weeks after surgery. Walking and light activity are acceptable. You will likely be able to resume a desk job within a few days of the procedure; if your job is more physical in nature, plan for at least one week off from work.
When can I have sex after vasectomy reversal?
Dr. Turek recommends waiting three to four weeks after surgery to resume sexual intercourse. The exact time depends on the details of the procedure performed.
Will the quality of my sperm be different after my vasectomy reversal?
Generally the quality and quantity of sperm after vasectomy reversal are similar to what they were before the vasectomy. Scarring at the microscopic connections can lower sperm count and motility, but this is unusual (happens in less than 5 percent of cases). The rate at which the sperm count and motility return to normal also depends on how long it has been since the vasectomy was performed.
Is it possible to have multiple children after a vasectomy reversal?
Yes, the goal of surgery is to create a durable sperm count to enable you to conceive multiple children after vasectomy reversal.
What is the risk of birth defects after vasectomy reversal?
The risk of birth defects after vasectomy reversal is no higher than it is in the general population. The risk of chromosomal issues or genetic mutations in offspring after vasectomy reversal is also similar to the general (i.e., age-matched) population.
How likely is it that we will conceive after vasectomy reversal?
This answer depends on many variables other than the reversal, such as the age and health of your female partner, when you actually start trying to conceive after the procedure and how hard you try with timed intercourse. For this reason, we usually measure a pregnancy rate at one year after reversal. In Dr. Turek’s practice, out of 2500 cases, 56 percent of vasovasostomy patients and 45 percent of epididymovasostomy patients were able to naturally achieve pregnancy within one year; 95 percent of his vasovasostomy patients and 70 percent of his epididymovasostomy patients had usable motile sperm in the ejaculate.
What are the alternatives to a vasectomy reversal?
Another way to build a family is
in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) along with sperm retrieval. Although a surgical sperm retrieval is far less invasive than a vasectomy reversal, IVF is far more invasive and involved for the female partner. Dr. Turek can counsel you and your significant other about your reproductive options and help you make the right choice for your family.
Talk to Dr. Turek about Reversing Your Vasectomy
If you have had a vasectomy but would like to father children, vasectomy reversal can be a successful, cost-effective solution. To discuss your options with Dr. Turek, please
contact The Turek Clinic today.
