A vasectomy, in which the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra is cut and tied off, is a common outpatient procedure for men. The purpose of this procedure is to make the male infertile. Sometimes the need arises to have fertility restored. A procedure called a vasectomy reversal serves this purpose.

Definition

A vasectomy reversal is a an outpatient procedure, which reconnects the tubes between the testicles and the urethra. If the procedure is successful, a man may regain his fertility.

Effects of Surgery

Since patients are given a general anesthetic, you may feel drowsy for 2 to 4 hours after the procedure. Pain in the area of surgery is normal and you can resume normal activities in about three weeks.

Complications

No surgery is risk free and a vasectomy reversal is no exception. After surgery you may develop an infection, have fluid build up in your scrotum, or experience nerve damage.

Success Rate

The success rate of a vasectomy depends on how long ago the patient had a vasectomy. In general, if your vasectomy procedure was done less than three years ago, you and your partner have a over a 50 percent chance of conceiving. If the procedure was done over 10 years ago, your partner's chance of conceiving is 30 percent.

Warning

The more time that passes between a vasectomy and the reversal, the greater the chance that you will begin to produce antibodies against your own sperm. Your doctor will test you before and after your vasectomy reversal to determine whether or not you have acquired these antibodies. If you have developed antibodies against your own sperm, in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection is recommend to conceive.

Source:

Webmed.com: Vasectomy Reversal

Mayoclinic.com: Vasectomy Reversal