Exploring the Myths and Facts of Vasectomy Reversal Surgery

Every year many Australian men undergo vasectomy as a form of birth control. Usually, the reason is that a man no longer wants to have any more children and wants to be sure pregnancy doesn’t occur.

However, circumstances can change and a male might meet a new partner who does want kids. In this instance, to make that a possibility, vasectomy reversal surgery will be necessary. This procedure is known as a vasovasostomy.

Like any medical condition or procedure, there are both myths and facts that surround it. This is especially true when researching on the internet, as it proliferates all sorts of information, both true and false.

In this article, we’re going to be taking a closer look at both the myths and facts associated with vasectomies and vasectomy reversal surgery.

Myths Associated With Vasectomies

Some men erroneously believe that once you’ve had a vasectomy, it’s permanent and can never be reversed. This is simply not true in all cases. Many vasectomies can be successfully reversed. It’s also been rumoured that success rates for vasectomy reversal are low, which is also false.

Another myth surrounding vasectomies is that sex won’t feel as good and will no longer be fulfilling. Again, this is an untruth and merely a rumour. Vasectomies do not affect sexual performance, sensitivity or sexual enjoyment. There is also no decrease in a man’s sex drive. A vasectomy simply changes the makeup of a man’s semen.

A further myth is that sperm builds up in the body following a vasectomy. This is another fallacy. If this were true, even without a vasectomy a man would experience a build up of too much sperm. The way the body works is that sperm that isn’t ejaculated is simply reabsorbed into the body and discarded that way.

Another rumour that’s been doing the rounds is that having a vasectomy increases the risk of developing prostate cancer. There has never been any proven link between prostate cancer and vasectomies, despite numerous studies regarding this.

One thing that puts some men off having a vasectomy is the fallacy that the procedure is difficult and the road to recovery is long. This is also a rumour that’s been spread about having a vasectomy reversed. A vasectomy only takes about 15 minutes, requires only one or two very small cuts and the patient generally experiences very little pain. Recovery only takes a few days to a week and you’re good to go. The time for recovery is longer when surgery is reversed.

The Facts About Vasectomy Reversal

Now that we’ve looked at some myths surrounding vasectomies and vasectomy reversal procedures, let’s look at some facts.

The success rate for vasectomy reversal is quite high, depending on how long it’s been since the vasectomy took place. In fact, some 90% of men who have undergone a vasovasostomy have successfully been able to achieve pregnancy, if the vasectomy took place within the last 10 years. For vasectomy that took place more than 10 years ago, the success rate drops a little, but not considerably.

A vasovasostomy is only a minor surgical procedure that is largely non-invasive, but is performed under general anaesthetic by a surgeon experienced in microsurgery techniques. However, the recovery time following the procedure is longer than that of a vasectomy and physical activity and sexual intercourse should be avoided for about 6 weeks. For the most part, pain is minimal and easily manageable.

The reversal of a vasectomy involves the reattachment of the two ends of the vas deferens, the tube that carries sperm. Before reattachment takes place, fluid is retrieved and examined for the presence of sperm. If sperm is found, reattachment takes place.

Following a vasovasostomy, your urologist will call you in after 6 weeks for a postoperative sperm count. This will then be repeated every 3 months for the next 2 years.

The Takeaway

If you’re thinking of having a vasectomy or reversing the procedure, it’s important to separate fact from myth. If you have doubts or any questions, consult with a urologist. To find a urologist near you, just search online using terms like “vasectomy reversal surgery Sydney”. Just search for your location, talk to a urologist about a vasovasostomy procedure, and put your mind at ease.