During a vasectomy, a surgeon cuts and ties off the vas deferens, the tube that transports sperm from the testicles. While the surgery is meant to be permanent, you can opt to reverse a vasectomy.
What Is a Vasectomy Reversal Procedure?
During a vasectomy reversal, which is an outpatient procedure, a surgeon reconnects the two ends of the vas deferens that were separated during the initial surgery. Reconnecting the tubes allows sperm to mix with seminal fluid and exit the urethra during ejaculation.
Vasectomy Reversal Risks
Complications from a reverse vasectomy procedure are rare. However, the most common risks include:
- Chronic pain
- Infection
- Low or absent sperm count
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Inflammation
- Blood accumulation in the scrotum
While extremely rare, a shrinking of the testes is also possible.
Recovering From a Vasectomy Reversal
The recovery period after a vasectomy reversal procedure is typically short. You'll need to rest for a couple of days and temporarily limit strenuous physical activity, such as sex, biking, lifting, and other forms of exercise.
To protect your testicles, you'll wear a scrotal support for a few weeks while you continue to heal. Icing the area can help relieve soreness as the incision heals.
Months after surgery, you'll have a follow-up appointment so your doctor can check your sperm levels. If your sperm count is low or absent, further surgery may be recommended.
Vasectomy Reversal at UPMC Men's Health Center
Our highly trained surgeons offer two types of vasectomy reversals. Your doctor can help you decide which is best for you.
To learn more about reverse vasectomies, visit the UPMC Men's Health Center or call 1‑877‑641‑4MEN (4636) to make an appointment.
