Vasectomy reversals were not possible prior to 1971 when the first one was performed by Earl Owen using micro-surgical techniques. Prior to that microsurgery was used for micro vascular reconstruction for wounded soldiers. Since 1971 the process has been improved and refined to achieve a much higher success rate for fertility.
Most vasectomies come about when a couple determines that they either have enough children or they do not wish to have any children. Reversals become an option when something interrupts the life cycle of the couple. This may be a divorce or the death of wife or child or a simple change of mind regarding family size. Another reason is post vasectomy pain syndrome which involves constant pain after the initial procedure.
These surgeries are outpatient procedures and generally take up to four hours to complete. There are two types of surgery that can be performed but which one is necessary cannot be determined until the surgery is initiated. The first option is to clean and reconnect the two vas defer ens ends to one another. The other is a little more complicated and involves connecting the vas defer ens to the epididymis to allow sperm to bypass the tubing that may be blocked.
Most patients can return to their normal activities within three days. You will be cautioned about lifting or straining and to watch for swelling. The swelling can be treated by placing ice packs on the affected area.
Other issues that may occur after the surgery include infection or fluid buildup in the scrotum that will need to be drained. You may also see blood buildup in that area that will also need draining. There have been cases of nerve and artery damage as well as sperm seeping into the scrotum and causing an immune system reaction. This is a very serious condition.
If it has been three years or less since the original operation the reversal has a much better chance of being successful. The average is approximately fifty percent at three years. After a ten year period the rates of successful impregnation drops to thirty percent or less.
These procedures are very expensive and the success rate at best is only fifty percent. Most insurance companies do not cover this type of surgery. The rate of pregnancies at three years or less is about fifty percent where as at ten years it drops to thirty percent chance of impregnating the woman. It is usually recommended that sperm be removed from the scrotum and frozen for use in artificial insemination procedures should pregnancy not occur naturally.
Vasectomy reversals are generally considered by couples who are in a second marriage and wish to have children. Researching the doctor as well as the process is wise and searching alternative methods of impregnation is imperative. A perfect solution would be to freeze sperm prior to the original vasectomies and keep them in storage them until they are needed.
Most vasectomies come about when a couple determines that they either have enough children or they do not wish to have any children. Reversals become an option when something interrupts the life cycle of the couple. This may be a divorce or the death of wife or child or a simple change of mind regarding family size. Another reason is post vasectomy pain syndrome which involves constant pain after the initial procedure.
These surgeries are outpatient procedures and generally take up to four hours to complete. There are two types of surgery that can be performed but which one is necessary cannot be determined until the surgery is initiated. The first option is to clean and reconnect the two vas defer ens ends to one another. The other is a little more complicated and involves connecting the vas defer ens to the epididymis to allow sperm to bypass the tubing that may be blocked.
Most patients can return to their normal activities within three days. You will be cautioned about lifting or straining and to watch for swelling. The swelling can be treated by placing ice packs on the affected area.
Other issues that may occur after the surgery include infection or fluid buildup in the scrotum that will need to be drained. You may also see blood buildup in that area that will also need draining. There have been cases of nerve and artery damage as well as sperm seeping into the scrotum and causing an immune system reaction. This is a very serious condition.
If it has been three years or less since the original operation the reversal has a much better chance of being successful. The average is approximately fifty percent at three years. After a ten year period the rates of successful impregnation drops to thirty percent or less.
These procedures are very expensive and the success rate at best is only fifty percent. Most insurance companies do not cover this type of surgery. The rate of pregnancies at three years or less is about fifty percent where as at ten years it drops to thirty percent chance of impregnating the woman. It is usually recommended that sperm be removed from the scrotum and frozen for use in artificial insemination procedures should pregnancy not occur naturally.
Vasectomy reversals are generally considered by couples who are in a second marriage and wish to have children. Researching the doctor as well as the process is wise and searching alternative methods of impregnation is imperative. A perfect solution would be to freeze sperm prior to the original vasectomies and keep them in storage them until they are needed.
