Vasectomy reversals can be considered a highly complex operation. The pros and cons of which should be fully considered by a person, prior to having the procedure carried out. The aim of the operation is to restore fertility after the original operation is carried out and there are increasing numbers of men who are now looking to have their sterilisation operation reversed, in order to have children with new partners and have options regarding their family life.
The operation is carried out by reconnecting the ‘vas deferens’ tubes which allow sperm to reach the penis from the testicles. The operation is more like to be successful if there has been minimal time between the initial vsterilisation operation and the reversal procedure. There are two main types of procedure which are commonly used, the Vasoepididymostomy and Vasovasostomy. Each procedure is complicated and can take around three hours to complete in full.
It must be taken into account that vasectomy reversals do not necessarily guarantee that fertility will be restored. There are other factors that will affect the likelihood of a successful operation and the chances of eventual conception. These include; the type of vasectomy which is being reversed, the fertility of the other partner, other areas of the reproductive system and also the type of procedure which is being carried out.
As with any operation, pain can be expected afterwards and there must be time allowed for a full recovery to take place. This usually happened within seven – en days, providing that patients follow the advice of their doctor’s and take plenty of rest afterwards. There are also side effects and risks that form part of the operation. Some of the side effects include; sore scrotum, bruising and swelling. Significant risks of the operation can include scar tissue of the scrotum and long term pain of the scrotal area, however these side effects are easily avoided if the operation is carried out to the correct standard, by well trained and qualified medical staff.
There are alternatives to having an invasive reversal procedure such as this one. One such method is the intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection, which basically allows sperm to be transferred directly to the partner’s egg for fertilization. This egg can then be transferred to the womb in order for a pregnancy to take place. This is much less intrusive than an actual reversal operation and has good success rates amongst those who use it.
Overall, vasectomy reversals should only be considered if it is absolutely necessary. Men should not use sterilisation as a method of contraception. This is simply for the fact that there is always the possibility that an original operation cannot actually be fully reversed, meaning that for some people there will be no possibility of having children ever again. This is enough to make any man understand that the original operation should not be taken lightly and should only be carried out by those who are 100% sure it is right for them. Otherwise, they may wish to have children in future and then find that the reversal operation will have no effect whatsoever.