A vasectomy is a minor same-day surgical procedure in which the deferens, or the tubes that carry a man's sperm away from his testicle to be added to semen, are cut or blocked. This form of permanent male birth control is the safest and most common, with about 500,000 vasectomies done in the U.S. each year. Once the vas deferens are cut or blocked, you will continue to have normal erections, sexual intercourse, and ejaculation but will not be able to father children. There is no change in sexual desire or libido following a vasectomy.
You perhaps you had thought thought you were done having children, but now you're having second thoughts after getting that vasectomy. You may think it's too late to become a dad again since vasectomies are considered by many to be a permanent form of contraception, but may not always be the case.
Are Vasectomies Reversable?
Vasectomies are intended for permanent sterilization, but they can be reversed in most men. If you previously had a vasectomy but are now considering having another child, a vasectomy reversal could restore your ability to conceive naturally.
Can Vasectomies Be Reversed Naturally?
A vasectomy is one of the most effective forms of birth control, with a 99.85% rate of effectiveness. in other words, it's extremely rare for the procedure to fail or reverse naturally. In fact, the risk of failure is less than 1 in 2,000 (less than .05%), while other contraceptives have a 0.2% failure rate. Surgery is normally the only choice in reversing a vasectomy.
What Exactly Is a Vasectomy Reversal?
A vasectomy reversal is a three-hour surgery where the previously cut tubes that carry sperm, called the vas deferens, are surgically reconnected. During this surgery, a urologist will remove any scar tissue caused by your previous vasectomy and carefully reconstruct the connection using a "specialized" medical microscope.
When Can a Man Have a Vasectomy Reversal?
The more recently a man has had a vasectomy, the more likely that the Reversal will be successful. In other words, vasectomy reversals tend to be more successful if you've had your vasectomy more recently. The surgery is less likely to be successful if a significant amount of time has passed since your vasectomy took place.
How Long Until A Man Is Again Fertile Following a Vasectomy Reversal?
It can actually take up to a full year until a man's sperm are abundant enough to result in pregnancy following a reversal, but it could be as little as a few months.
Questions About Getting a Vasectomy Reversal?
At Philadelphia Urology Associates, Dr. Bruce Sloane is a nationally renowned specialist in Men's Health issues and Age Management Medicine. Throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding areas, patients seek his expertise to treat erectile dysfunction and other sexual performance issues. Using state-of-the-art equipment and having extensive specialized education and training, Dr. Sloane will find the treatments and solutions that will work best for you.
Although Dr. Sloane has performed hundreds of vasectomies during his years of practice as a Urologist in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas like Delaware County, he personally does not perform vasectomy reversals. Deciding whether or not to have a vasectomy reversal is a major life choice, and many men find that the decision can be rather intimidating. If you feel that you need more information on the procedure, or perhaps to discuss any other men's health issues or age management, please feel free to call us at (215) 563-1199 or contact us online now!