You already likely know a vasectomy is a permanent form of birth control for men. It’s a surgical procedure that stops sperm from leaving the body by closing the ends of the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm. It’s important to note that while a vasectomy is a good form of birth control, it doesn’t prevent sexually transmitted diseases from spreading. Let’s take a closer look at the ins and outs of getting a vasectomy.
How does a vasectomy work?
Is it possible to reverse a vasectomy?|Is it possible to reverse a vasectomy?
A reverse vasectomy is a procedure designed to undo the effects of a vasectomy. In the reverse vasectomy, the vas deferens are reconnected and any blockage points are cleared. This is an outpatient procedure that takes about three to four hours.
According to Standford Medicine, there are two ways the reverse vasectomy is accomplished. The first procedure is a vasovasostomy, which reattaches the ends of the vas deferens. The ends are stitched together so the tube will once again allow sperm to get to the semen. The other procedure is called a vasoepididymostomy. This procedure identifies any other blocks and builds a bypass to them to reconnect the vas deferens to the unblocked epidyimis.
A vasectomy reversal is not 100% effective. Where the vasectomy is 99.9999% effective in stopping pregnancy, the reversal is only 90-95% effective in restoring sperm flow. The vasovasostomy is more effective than the vasoepididymostomy, which is only up to 70% effective.
The recovery for a vasectomy reversal is similar to that of the vasectomy. Men are advised to rest for a couple of days and to avoid strenuous activity for a few days to a week. Pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication, and ice packs are recommended to help reduce swelling.
