A vasectomy reversal is a surgical process that reverses an earlier vasectomy by reconnecting the tubes (vas deferens) that allow sperm to travel from the testes to mix with semen during ejaculation.

In the USA, about five percent of men who have a vasectomy later decide to have a reversal. The reasons for a vasectomy reversal include suffering discomfort following a vasectomy to wanting more children, often as the result of a remarriage. It can however take up to 12 months before sperm return to the ejaculate.

Procedure information
Unlike a vasectomy, the reversal process is usually carried out under general anesthetic however it is possible to have a local anesthetic administered instead, such as an epidural. The total surgical procedure takes between 3 and 5 hours, but it is not necessary to stay overnight in hospital.

There are two types of surgical procedure to complete a vasectomy reversal. The most common is a vasovasostomy. This is when the vas deferens is reconnected after it is proven that the quality of the testes fluid containing sperm is good. If the fluid is not present, or limited, this will be due to a blockage closer to the testes. In this case, a vasovasostomy is pointless and a vasoepididymostomy is carried out. During a vasoepididymostomy, the vas deferens is connected directly to the epididymal tubual, bypassing the blockage.

Recovery time
Localized swelling and bruising may be experienced after a vasectomy reversal, as with a vasectomy. Ice packs should be applied even after you have left the clinic to minimize the swelling. It may be necessary to take pain medication, which will be prescribed by the surgeon, for a few days following the vasectomy reversal. It is possible to engage in sexual intercourse 3 weeks post surgery. Non strenuous work can be undertaken after approximately 3 days and physically demanding jobs after about 4 weeks.