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By Mayo Clinic staffBefore having vasectomy reversal surgery to restore fertility, your doctor will want to make sure you can produce healthy sperm. For most men, having gotten a woman pregnant before is proof enough.
- If your doctor is unsure whether you are producing enough healthy sperm, you may need a testicular biopsy. In this test, a needle is used to remove fluid from your testicles to check for sperm.
- Your female partner also needs to be tested to make sure she doesn't have fertility problems. It's a good sign if your partner has been pregnant in the past. Her doctor will want to know if she has regular menstrual cycles, and will do a pelvic exam. The doctor may recommend other tests to make sure your partner's fallopian tubes aren't blocked and that she's producing eggs (ovulating).
Doctors usually perform vasectomy reversals at a surgery center or at a hospital. It's a delicate procedure that can be done using a few different surgical techniques.
- Before you choose a doctor, ask how many vasectomy reversals he or she has performed, and how many men have successfully fathered children after the reversal surgery.
- After choosing a doctor, meet with him or her to discuss the procedure, risks and potential complications. Include your partner in this initial consultation, if appropriate.
- Two weeks before and after your vasectomy, don't take aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) because they can increase your risk of bleeding. Instead, use acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) to relieve pain.
- Your doctor may ask you to clean and shave your scrotum before surgery and bring a clean jockstrap (athletic supporter) to wear after surgery.
- The surgery usually takes two to four hours. You'll also need time to recover from anesthesia. Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery.
- Lipshultz LI, et al. Surgical management of male infertility. In: Wein AJ, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/113319552-2/0/1445/23.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50022-4--cesec30. Accessed Dec. 10, 2008.
- Boorjian S, et al. The impact of obstructive interval and sperm granuloma on outcome of vasectomy reversal. The Journal of Urology. 2004;171:304.
- Vasectomy reversal. UrologyHealth.Org. http://www.urologyhealth.org/adult/index.cfm?cat=11&topic=154. Accessed Nov. 13, 2008.
