A vasectomy may have been the right choice for you in the past, but plans can change. If you and your partner are interested in having kids and you’ve had a vasectomy, then frequently the most cost-effective option is to undergo a vasectomy reversal. But what exactly should you expect from your vasectomy reversal procedure in Denver?
At Posterity Health, we are your trusted local male fertility experts and we’re happy to offer some clarity about this procedure. Whether you’re curious about the surgery timeline or the exact medical process, you’ll find the answers you need at Posterity Health. Our nationally recognized experts have vast experience with this procedure and the highest success rates in the country.
What is a Vasectomy Reversal?
A vasectomy reversal is a delicate medical procedure that reconnects the vas deferens (also called the sperm duct) that were cut during a vasectomy. For the right candidate, our vasectomy reversals have an incredibly high success rates.
After a successful vasectomy reversal, sperm will once again be present, and you may be able to achieve pregnancy naturally with your partner. In fact, over 90% of our patients who undergo a vasectomy reversal have sperm return to their ejaculate following the procedure.
How Do Vasectomy Reversals Work?
Vasectomy reversals are technically complicated procedures that require highly specialized skills. With our specialized training and experience, we utilize microsurgical techniques, which provide you with the best chance for success.
There are two surgical techniques that can be used to reverse a vasectomy:
- Vasovasostomy – During this procedure, we sew the ends of the vas deferens back together. If the flow of sperm is blocked further upstream, this may not be the proper procedure. In such cases, we then perform a vasoepididymostomy.
- Vasoepididymostomy – In this procedure, we will attach the vas deferens directly to the epididymis (the coiled tube of each testicle where sperm matures). This surgery is used when sperm flow is blocked and a vasovasostomy won’t work.
In most cases, we will decide which procedure is most appropriate during the operation. In some cases, a combination of both techniques is required.
At Posterity Health, we will dive further into both procedure techniques during your vasectomy reversal consultation. This way, you’ll have a detailed knowledge of both techniques, and which one may work best for you.
Who is a Good Candidate for Reversing a Vasectomy?
Generally, males who have had a vasectomy in recent years and are in good health are the best candidates for reversals. Our male fertility experts will take into account other considerations such as your partner’s age and her fertility status to assess if a vasectomy reversal procedure is the proper one for you.
If you turn out to not be a candidate for a vasectomy reversal, don’t be discouraged. Our male fertility experts will discuss other options with you.
Your Vasectomy Reversal Procedure in Denver
Vasectomy reversals are sophisticated surgeries that follow a series of detailed steps.
During your procedure, you will be under general anesthesia and completely asleep throughout it. Once you’re asleep, your surgeon will begin the surgical procedure utilizing a surgical microscope.
Your surgeon will make a small incision in your scrotum (no larger than a dime), often in the same place as your original vasectomy scar. From there, they’ll locate the ends of your vas deferens, remove scar tissue or blockages, and reconnect your vas deferens appropriately. Once the work is done, they’ll close the incision with stitches. Remember, the openings of these tubes are microscopic, so using an operating microscope allows us to place the sutures in the proper position and provides you the best chance for success.
In most cases, you can expect the surgery to take approximately 1-2 hours. Vasectomy reversals are outpatient procedures, so you will go home the same day as your procedure.
What is the Recovery Time Like?
Following your procedure, you will just spend two days recovering at home on the couch. It’s the perfect excuse to catch up on your favorite shows or enjoy a weekend of sports on TV. After those two days have passed, you can return to your normal daily activities but no lifting, straining, exercise, or sex until you are cleared by your surgeon two weeks later.
Many of our patients will book their surgery to be performed on a Friday afternoon so that they can be back at work on Monday.
That said, you need to allow time for your body to fully heal. It’s recommended to avoid strenuous activities for at least two-week safter the procedure.
Is There a Follow-Up Process?
We will schedule a follow up visit for you to be seen two weeks after the procedure and of course, we are available 24 hours a day in the event of an emergency.
At Posterity Health, we will schedule a follow-up semen analysis six weeks after your vasectomy reversal procedure in Denver. This semen analysis helps ensure that everything’s working right “down there” and that you have swimmers in your sperm.
Get Started on Your Vasectomy Reversal Procedure in Denver
Unlike other providers of vasectomy reversals, we can schedule your initial reversal consultation within 72 hours of contacting us! And we can book your surgery in less than a few weeks. This way you can experience a faster time to conception with your partner.
Schedule your FREE 10-minute call with our male fertility experts today to learn more about your options for reversing your vasectomy.