The science of micro surgery was first performed in 1910 by Carl Nylen to correct a middle ear problem. It was not until 1971 that it was first used for vasectomy reversals by Earl Owen. Since the first procedure the discipline has advanced tremendously and the fertility success rate has become much higher than ever thought possible.
Most couples consider vasectomies when the desired family size is achieved and the question of reversal comes about when there is a divorce or some other reason that the male wishes to begin another family. Sometimes the empty nest syndrome plays into this decision when couples decide to start a new group of children after the first set is grown.
There is no hospitalization necessary with this procedure and you are usually ready to go home after about four hours. Your doctor will determine which surgical process is needed once he has opened the scrotum. There are two types of surgery that can be used and both are dependent upon what the doctor sees when he makes the incision. The simplest one involves cleaning and reconnecting the vas tubes that were severed originally. The other is more complicated and involves connecting the vas defer to the scrotum, bypassing any clogged tubing you may have.
After the surgery you will recover quickly. You will be able to return to work in a few days if you have a job with little or no physical effort. You may have moderate pain for a couple of days and you will be encouraged to use ice packs on the affected area to reduce swelling.
There is some danger of problems after the surgery beyond soreness. There have been cases of infection in the area of the surgery or fluid buildup in the scrotum that will have to be drained. There can also be damage to the arteries and nerves in the scrotum or a condition called sperm granuloma which is an immune system reaction to the seepage of sperm the scrotum causing an inflamed mass. These masses usually indicate that the procedure was not successful.
The fewer years that have passed between the original procedure and the intended reversal the greater the chance that your surgery will be successful. The best time for the reversal to take place is under three years. The worst is over ten years from the sterilization.
This procedure can be very expensive and the cost may not be covered by your health insurance. This may be an important factor to consider prior to making the decision to proceed. With a thirty percent chance of success after a ten year period and a fifty percent chance of impregnation when there is only three years between the two procedures. Most doctors offer the option of freezing sperm found in the scrotum for use later in artificial insemination in case the reversal does not work.
When they have made the decision to go ahead with their vasectomy reversals the first step is to choose a doctor who has done this procedure many times. The experience factor is very important because micro surgery can go wrong so easily. These men should also seriously consider alternative means of impregnation prior to consenting to undergo any type of surgery. The options are many and some are less expensive and dangerous than surgery.
Most couples consider vasectomies when the desired family size is achieved and the question of reversal comes about when there is a divorce or some other reason that the male wishes to begin another family. Sometimes the empty nest syndrome plays into this decision when couples decide to start a new group of children after the first set is grown.
There is no hospitalization necessary with this procedure and you are usually ready to go home after about four hours. Your doctor will determine which surgical process is needed once he has opened the scrotum. There are two types of surgery that can be used and both are dependent upon what the doctor sees when he makes the incision. The simplest one involves cleaning and reconnecting the vas tubes that were severed originally. The other is more complicated and involves connecting the vas defer to the scrotum, bypassing any clogged tubing you may have.
After the surgery you will recover quickly. You will be able to return to work in a few days if you have a job with little or no physical effort. You may have moderate pain for a couple of days and you will be encouraged to use ice packs on the affected area to reduce swelling.
There is some danger of problems after the surgery beyond soreness. There have been cases of infection in the area of the surgery or fluid buildup in the scrotum that will have to be drained. There can also be damage to the arteries and nerves in the scrotum or a condition called sperm granuloma which is an immune system reaction to the seepage of sperm the scrotum causing an inflamed mass. These masses usually indicate that the procedure was not successful.
The fewer years that have passed between the original procedure and the intended reversal the greater the chance that your surgery will be successful. The best time for the reversal to take place is under three years. The worst is over ten years from the sterilization.
This procedure can be very expensive and the cost may not be covered by your health insurance. This may be an important factor to consider prior to making the decision to proceed. With a thirty percent chance of success after a ten year period and a fifty percent chance of impregnation when there is only three years between the two procedures. Most doctors offer the option of freezing sperm found in the scrotum for use later in artificial insemination in case the reversal does not work.
When they have made the decision to go ahead with their vasectomy reversals the first step is to choose a doctor who has done this procedure many times. The experience factor is very important because micro surgery can go wrong so easily. These men should also seriously consider alternative means of impregnation prior to consenting to undergo any type of surgery. The options are many and some are less expensive and dangerous than surgery.
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