Vasectomy Reversal

What is vasectomy reversal?

A vasectomy reversal reconnects the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the semen. This allows sperm to mix with semen again, making natural conception possible. Individuals who have had a vasectomy within the past 15 years generally have higher success rates.

Why is vasectomy reversal performed?

A vasectomy reversal may be an option for those whose personal circumstances or health considerations have changed since undergoing a vasectomy.

If you’ve had a vasectomy, you may wish to reverse the procedure for one of the following reasons:

• Change of mind: You may decide to have biological children after previously deciding against it or after having children.
• New relationship: You may wish to start a family after remarriage, the loss of a partner, or the loss of a child.
• Pain relief: In rare cases, a vasectomy can cause chronic testicular pain, and a reversal may help alleviate discomfort.
• Restoring fertility: You may want to keep your fertility options open, even if you do not plan to have more children.

How do I know if I am a candidate for vasectomy reversal?

Consult with your healthcare provider to determine if a vasectomy reversal is the right choice for you. The success of the procedure depends on the time passed since your vasectomy

You may be a candidate for vasectomy reversal if the following applies to you:

• You are in good overall health
• You have no underlying conditions that could affect fertility

What can I expect before vasectomy reversal?

Before a vasectomy reversal, your healthcare provider will review your medical history and perform a physical exam to ensure there are no health concerns that could complicate the procedure. They may also assess your ability to produce healthy sperm, as sperm count and quality can decline over time due to factors such as age, diet, exercise, and smoking.

Preparing for surgery will require that you refrain from eating after midnight the night before the procedure. On the day of the surgery, you will meet the anesthesiologist and nursing team at the surgery center.

What can I expect during vasectomy reversal?

The procedure is performed under anesthesia. During the reversal surgery, tiny sutures (stitches) are used to reconnect the ends of the vas deferens. The surgeon will use an operative microscope to assist in this process. The procedure is performed through two small incisions in the scrotum.

A dissolvable stitch will be placed in each incision, followed by an application of Bacitracin or a similar ointment to help prevent infection. A jockstrap will be provided to support the scrotum during recovery at home.

What can I expect after undergoing vasectomy reversal?

Apply ice on and off at home after the procedure ensuring that the ice is placed over your underwear and not directly on the skin. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as Tylenol® or Advil®, may be used to manage discomfort. Your healthcare provider will provide additional recovery instructions.

Following a vasectomy reversal, you may experience bruising, swelling, and mild pain, which typically improves within a few days.

During the first three weeks of recovery, avoid:

• Heavy lifting, bending, or straining
• Sexual activity and ejaculation
• Swimming or bathing

After three weeks, you can gradually return to normal activities, as tolerated. Based on how many years have passed since your vasectomy, the success rate of vasectomy reversal ranges from 60% to 95%. However, success rates generally decrease after 15 years from the initial vasectomy.

Pregnancy rates following vasectomy reversal vary from around 30% to over 90%. Several factors impact success, including your partner’s age and health, the quality of your sperm, and any fertility issues present prior to the vasectomy.

You will meet with the surgeon six weeks after surgery to check the semen for sperm and determine if the surgery was successful.

Care Team Approach

At UT Health Austin, we take a multidisciplinary approach to your care. This means you will benefit from the expertise of multiple specialists across a variety of disciplines caring for you in one place to avoid having to schedule multiple appointments with providers at locations all over the city. Your care team will include a board-certified and fellowship-trained urologist with extensive experience in the medical and surgical treatment of the urinary system and the male genital tract who works alongside a team of health experts to help you achieve the best possible outcomes and improve your overall quality of life. We also collaborate with our colleagues at the Dell Medical School and The University of Texas at Austin to utilize the latest research, diagnostic, and treatment techniques, allowing us to deliver highly specialized procedures and offer personalized treatment options with a focus on increasing overall quality of life. We are committed to communicating and coordinating your care with your other healthcare providers to ensure that we are providing you with comprehensive, whole-person care.

Learn More About Your Care Team