A vasectomy is a simple operation designed for male sterilization and permanent birth control. Vasectomy is the safe and the most effective kind of birth control and it will not affect sexual performance and masculinity. It involves cutting the 2 tubes called vas deferens so that sperm can no longer get into the semen, a man can no longer make his partner pregnant. The testicles continue to produce sperm, but the sperm is reabsorbed by the body. Compared to female sterilization, vasectomy is simpler, more effective and can be performed on an outpatient basis and is much less expensive.
Pregnancy after vasectomy with vasectomy reversal
Most men decide to have a pregnancy after a vasectomy for a number of reasons, including loss of a child, remarriages, divorce, death of a spouse, etc. If you and your partner decided to have another child after a vasectomy, you may consider vasectomy reversal.
Vasectomy reversal is a surgical procedure that is performed to restore fertility and help to conceive a couple naturally. A vasectomy reversal is a microscopic operation that reconnects the tubes which carry sperm from the testicles into the semen. This is typically a one-day out-patient procedure and is one of the most difficult procedures accomplished by a urologist. Only a specially skilled micro surgeon who is experienced in the most advanced micro surgical vasectomy reversal techniques can provide the best outcomes and ultimately return to optimal sperm production.
Your urologist may want to collect a semen specimen every 2 to 3 months after the reversal in order to check for the presence of sperm in your ejaculation fluids. Unless you get your partner pregnant, checking your semen for ejaculation is the only way to tell if your vasectomy reversal is a success. After a successful vasectomy reversal, sperm is present in your semen again, and you can be able to make your partner pregnant. However, results are not immediate and may take 12-24 months to see the outcomes of surgery.
Getting pregnant after a vasectomy reversal is a long process. There are several factors that can come into play a role in those who are trying for pregnancy after vasectomy, from semen quality to woman’s age.
Some additional steps can help to increase sperm count after a vasectomy reversal:
- Follow the post-op instructions for optimal recovery.
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables which are rich in vitamins and antioxidants as they may help to increase sperm production.
- Wait for 3 to 4 weeks to resume sex.
- Try to avoid excessive alcohol consumption that impairs sperm production.
- Avoid smoking.
- Avoid hot tub bath as this can kill healthy sperms.
Success rate:
Nearly 60% of a vasectomy reversal is successful that means 3 out of 5 men go on to impregnate a woman after a reversal. An estimated 30,000 to 40,000 or more men every year changes their minds and wants to restore their fertility with a vasectomy reversal.
