Deciding on treatment

A vasectomy reversal operation is a commonly performed and generally safe surgical procedure. For most men, the potential benefit, in terms of having their fertility restored, is greater than the disadvantages. However, in order to make a well-informed decision and give your consent, you need to be aware of the possible side-effects and the risk of complications.

Side-effects are the unwanted but mostly temporary effects of a successful procedure, for example, feeling sick as a result of the general anaesthetic. Anyone having a vasectomy reversal can also expect a sore and tender scrotum for a few days. You may also have some bruising and swelling.

Complications are unexpected problems that can occur during or after the procedure. Most men are not affected. The main complications of any operation are bleeding during or soon after the procedure, infection and an abnormal reaction to the anaesthetic.

Recovering from vasectomy reversal

It's sensible to take it easy for the next couple of days, but you can drive and go back to work as soon as you feel able.

For as long as you need, wear close-fitting underwear, such as a jock strap, day and night. This will support your scrotum and help to ease any discomfort and swelling.

Don't do any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise during the first week after the operation.

You can bathe and shower but you should dry the area gently and thoroughly.

You can have sex as soon as you feel comfortable. However, you will not know whether you are producing sperm when you ejaculate until your doctor has checked a sample of semen. This is usually done around two months after surgery.6

What is Vasoepididymostomy

A more complicated procedure called a vasoepididymostomy involves joining the vas deferens in the penis directly to the epididymis. This is a tube that connects the vas efferens to the vas deferens. Sperm are stored and mature in the epididymis.

This technique can bypass any blockages in the vas deferens that may have arisen from a previous vasectomy or reversal operation.

After the operation
If the procedure has been performed as a day case, you will be discharged after you have had time to rest and make a full recovery from the anaesthetic.

You will usually be provided with supportive disposable underwear to help relieve any discomfort from the testicles, which will be sore for a few days. This discomfort can be relieved by taking painkillers that you would normally take for a headache.

You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home and then stay with you for the first 24 hours.

What is Vasovasostomy?

The standard vasectomy reversal operation is called a vasovasostomy.

Your surgeon will make a cut in each side of your scrotum, usually in the same position as your vasectomy scars. Alternatively he or she may make one cut in the centre of the scrotum.

The ends of the vas deferens are freed from any scar tissue and carefully pulled through the incisions. Your surgeon will sew the two ends together using dissolvable stitches. He or she will then place them back inside the scrotum and stitch the incisions. The dissolvable stitches will disappear after about a week.

Sometimes it is not possible to rejoin the tubes in both testicles and only one is rejoined. It may still be possible to get your partner pregnant however.

Vasectomy reversal - The operation

The operation usually takes one to two hours and is performed as a day case, which means that you can have the operation and go home the same day.

The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia. This helps to ensure that you lie completely still, which is a requirement for the delicate surgery involved. It can also be done under local anaesthetic however. As this part of the male reproductive tract is very narrow, your surgeon works with magnifying equipment.