Vasectomy and Vasectomy Reversals
Vasectomy
A Vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure to cut and close off the tubes ( vas deferens) that deliver sperm from the testes. It is usually performed as a means of contraception.
Benefits: Vasectomy procedures do not affect sexual function. They are performed quickly (15-30 minutes) and are much less invasive than a tubal ligation (i.e., the procedure used to prevent a woman's eggs from reaching the uterus). They are also easily reversed.
Vasectomy Reversals
Vasectomy reversal is an option to restore fertility in men who have had a vasectomy. A vasectomy reversal causes no physical changes to the scrotal area, and after a normal healing period, sexual relations may continue. In most cases, vasectomy reversal is performed as an outpatient procedure in a hospital or outpatient surgical center.
Using micro-surgical techniques, the cut ends of the vas deferens are reconnected, allowing the small tubes to carry sperm from the testicles and thus enabling sperm enriched semen to be ejaculated during orgasm. Although this type of procedure is similar to vasectomy, a vasectomy reversal takes more time and is a more complex surgical procedure. General or regional anesthesia often is used during the procedure, and this adds some time to the recovery period.
Benefits: After a normal healing period of about 4 weeks, patients can resume regular sexual relations. Following vasectomy reversal, the chance of achieving the presence of sperm in the semen is high, but this does not guarantee pregnancy.
