Vasectomy is a common choice for men who don’t want to have children in the future. It’s a straightforward outpatient procedure that’s nearly 100% effective in preventing pregnancy.
When you get a vasectomy, the doctor cuts the vas deferens tubes in your scrotum. The vas deferens carry sperm from the epididymis out of the scrotal sac and up into the pelvis to the urethra. But after a vasectomy, your semen no longer contains sperm,and you aren’t fertile.
Vasectomy is a method of permanent birth control, but if you’ve had a vasectomy and your family planning goals have changed, you have options. At our practice in Millburn, New Jersey, Eric Seaman, MD specializes in vasectomy reversals for men who wish to father a child in the future.
Vasectomy reversal procedures are between 50-90% effective, depending on factors like your age and the amount of time that’s passed since you had a vasectomy. When you’re considering a vasectomy reversal, trust your care to Dr. Seaman and our team.
Vasectomy reversal is an outpatient procedure that requires local anesthesia. Dr. Seaman is highly trained in microsurgical techniques, and we offer no-scalpel, no-needle vasectomy reversal procedures to our patients.
During your vasectomy reversal, Dr. Seaman makes a small incision in your scrotum. Our team takes a sample of fluid from the vas deferens and looks for signs of sperm. During your procedure, Dr. Seaman chooses the most appropriate type of vasectomy reversal for you.
Vasovasostomy is the simplest type of vasectomy reversal. If sperm is found in the vas deferens fluid, Dr. Seaman reattaches the cut ends of the vas deferens with sutures. Sewing the tubes back together allows sperm to mix with semen again.
If sperm isn’t visible, or it’s been many years since you originally had a vasectomy, you may need vasoepididymostomy. In this procedure, Dr. Seaman attaches the vas deferens directly to the epididymis, which is the small organ that transports sperm.
In some cases, Dr. Seaman may perform vasovasostomy on one side and vasoepididymostomy on the other.
You’ll be able to go home shortly after your vasectomy reversal is complete. Consider bringing tight-fitting underwear or an athletic supporter to wear after surgery, as compression garments like these can help keep bandages in place.
Plan to rest and apply ice to your incision for the first few days following your surgery. Avoid moderate physical activity for about one week and more intense activity for up to eight weeks. If you experience pain or swelling, ask our team about ways to minimize discomfort.
Dr. Seaman tells you how long you’ll need to abstain from sexual intercourse following vasectomy reversal, but most men should wait at least a couple of weeks. In six to eight weeks after your procedure, we can perform a semen analysis to determine if your vasectomy reversal was successful.
Have your plans changed? If you’ve decided you want the opportunity to have a child in the future, it’s time to find out if vasectomy reversal could be right for you. Contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Seaman.
