As its name suggests, a vasectomy reversal aims to reverse a vasectomy procedure or male sterilisation. The procedure re-joins the vas deferens tubes, that were cut during the original vasectomy procedure, to allow sperm to mix with your semen and make you fertile again.
When considering a vasectomy reversal, you should consider your chances of fertility success. Success rates of a reversal vasectomy tend to be higher the sooner it is performed after the original surgery.
A vasectomy reversal is performed under general anaesthetic and usually takes between one and two hours. It is a more complicated procedure than the original vasectomy.
Vasovasostomy is the standard and most commonly performed vasectomy reversal surgery. The separated ends of the vas deferens are reconnected and microsurgical dissolvable stitches and any scar tissue is removed.
• Traditional vasectomy reversal - either a single incision is created in the centre of your scrotum or two incisions are made, one on each side of the scrotum. Usually, the incisions are in the same place as the scars from your vasectomy. The surgeon removes scar tissue and reconnects the tubes with fine suture.
Vasectomy reversal side effects include: pain, bruising and infection of your surgical wound.
Specific complications of a vasectomy reversal are: bleeding in your scrotum, damage to your blood vessel, long term pain, scar tissue causing blocked tubes and, failure to restore your fertility.
If you decide to pay for your treatment, Ramsay offer an all-inclusive Total Care package, where a single one-off payment at a pre-agreed price, delivering direct access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance. You can also spread the cost of your treatment with finance options available.
A vasectomy reversal may be covered by your medical insurance policy. We advise you to check directly with your insurance provider and get written confirmation before commencing treatment.
Usually you will go home the same day as your vasectomy reversal. You’ll need to arrange a lift home as you will not be able to drive after a general anaesthetic. Your scrotum will probably feel sore and bruised for a few days after the operation.
You should be able to resume most daily activities within a day or two and go back to work after a week. You should avoid any strenuous activity, heavy lifting and any form of sexual activity for three weeks after the operation to avoid any damage to the reconnection work.
About six to twelve weeks after the operation, you will be asked to provide a semen sample for us to test and find out if there are any sperm present. This will indicate a successful procedure. If no sperm are present or your sperm count is very low in your sample we may ask you to repeat this test at a later date.
Here at Ramsay Health Care we understand that when you chose to have a vasectomy you did so with the best of intentions and it was a carefully made decision for you at that time. However, personal circumstances change and we are here to reverse your vasectomy if you wish and, to help you regain your fertility.
A vasectomy reversal is not available on the NHS so you will need to have a private vasectomy reversal and, we can perform this for you if you would like.
Mr Gerald Rix
Mr Gerald Rix is a Consultant Urologist at Oaks Hospital specialising in laser prostate treatment, robotic keyhole kidney surgery, stones, urological oncology, general female urology, no- scalpel vasectomy and microsurgical vasectomy reversal.
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