Ask & Answer About Vasectomy Reversal

If you are considering getting a vasectomy reversal, there are concerns that have already come your to mind about the procedure. You'll be surprised at some of the concerns your wife may have that you didn't expect. Here are some of the common questions wives have about their husband's upcoming vasectomy reversal which YOU can learn from, too!

1. Is This Painful?
She knows how you felt after your vasectomy, so her concerns about the reversal are of course warranted. What she doesn't know is that vasectomy reversal is often recommended for men who have discomfort chronically after a vasectomy. That fullness or pressure you may feel in your testicles could actually be relieved with a vasectomy reversal. Typically the recovery from a normal vasectomy reversal differs from a vasectomy because vigorous activity is limited to give the repair time to heal. Pain and swelling is often similar to the vasectomy, and many men say it was actually less painful than the original procedure.


2. Will he be able to get me pregnant?
Most men will have sperm present in the semen after a vasectomy reversal. Not everyone has enough sperm to get their wives pregnant, however. In addition, the sperm count will change with time - initially increasing and in some cases then decreasing as the point of joining of the ends of the vas can scar down.


3. Is this expensive?
For most families who want to have children after a vasectomy, a reversal is the least expensive option. It is typically cheaper than adoption and in-vitro fertilization (IVF).


4. Is it dangerous?
Any surgery carries some risk, and vasectomy reversal is no different. Bruising and swelling are very typical of this procedure. It is uncommon that the swelling is so dramatic that it needs to be drained. Infection is rare when proper surgical technique is followed. Some underlying health problems could increase these risks, however, so be sure to tell your reversal specialist!

5. Will this fix / cause erectile dysfunction?
There is some confusion about the effects of vasectomy on ability of the penis to function normally. There should be no effects impotence from either a vasectomy or vasectomy reversal. The testicles are making testosterone regardless of the status of the vas (the tube which is cut or blocked during a vasectomy). The only difference in sexual function may be an increase of semen (ejaculate) volume after a successful vasectomy reversal.


6. Is there another option?
Adoption or the use of another man's sperm by artificial insemination is always an option, but to have your child be biologically related to you there has to be sperm collected from you somehow. A small amount of sperm suitable for IVF can be obtained by aspiration from the scrotum with a needle, but this may need to be repeated if multiple cycles of IVF is required.


7. When will I get pregnant?

Even if you return to your pre-vasectomy fertility, your wife has to be fertile as well. The fertility of women decreases much more quickly than men with age, and this is often a factor in whether a pregnancy results from this procedure. Make sure before you submit to having a reversal done that your wife's physician has cleared her for pregnancy and isn't aware of a reason she might be infertile.


Your wife undoubtedly has more questions than just these. To help her become comfortable with the decision and the procedure, have her discuss his concerns with a vasectomy reversal physician. You should both attend the pre-procedure consulation. The physician should be able to give her the information needed to help both of you decide if a vasectomy reversal is the right thing for your family. If your wife is uncomfortable asking those questions, she may prefer for you to email or call the physician's office for answers.