Considering a vasectomy reversal? Cara Cimmino, M.D., a urologist, answers 10 of the most common questions about the procedure.
1. What is a vasectomy? A vasectomy is a surgery that is performed for sterilization purposes once a man and his partner decide they do not want more children or are finished with their family planning.
2. What is a vasectomy reversal? A vasectomy reversal is a low-risk, outpatient procedure.
3. Why might a man undergo a vasectomy reversal? If he decides he wants more children, whether this is because he has a new partner, changes his mind or lost a child.
4. How long does the procedure take? It lasts one to three hours, depending on when the patient had his vasectomy.
5. What are the risks? The most common risks associated with any type of surgical procedure are bleeding or infection. Less common risks include failure of the procedure or too much scar tissue that requires a second surgery.
6. How does the procedure work? The procedure involves a general anesthetic and an operating microscope. It is done in fine detail, so even a small amount of movement is amplified. The physician then makes two small incisions on either side of the scrotum, identifies the ends of the vas deferens that have been cut and cleans up the ends. Using a fine suture, he or she will bring the two ends together.
7. What is the recovery time? Recovery time is fairly short. On the day of the surgery, you may feel a little soreness, which will usually last about three to seven days, depending on the patient. Men are asked to rest for the next three days. After that, they can return to normal activity, aside from sexual intercourse.
8. When can men return to sexual activity? Patients are advised not to have intercourse for six weeks to allow the incision and reconnection to heal properly.
9. What is the success rate? The success rate of sperm returning to the ejaculate is 95-98%.
10. Is there anything else to keep in mind? Men who undergo the procedure should consider other barriers to getting their partners pregnant, such as her age and quality of the eggs.
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