There are a number of reasons for a vasectomy reversal

There are a number of reasons for a vasectomy reversal

By
Dana Sparks

March 21, 2019

a young pregnant couple meeting with a physician, doctor for an appointment in an exam room Men decide to have a vasectomy reversal for a number of reasons, including loss of a child, a change of heart or remarriage. A small number of men have a vasectomy reversal to treat testicular pain that may be linked to a vasectomy.

Vasectomy reversal reconnects each tube (vas deferens) that carries sperm from a testicle into the semen. After a successful vasectomy reversal, sperm are again present in the semen, and you may be able to get your partner pregnant.Almost all vasectomies can be reversed. However, this doesn't guarantee success in conceiving a child. Pregnancy rates after vasectomy reversal will range from about 30 percent to over 90 percent, depending on the type of procedure.

Many factors affect whether a reversal is successful in achieving pregnancy, including time since a vasectomy, partner age, surgeon experience and training, and whether or not you had fertility issues before your vasectomy. The longer it has been since the vasectomy, the less likely it is that the reversal will work.

Vasectomy reversal rarely leads to serious complications but some risks include:

Bleeding within the scrotum.
This can lead to a collection of blood (hematoma) that causes painful swelling. You can reduce the risk of hematoma by following your health care provider's instructions to rest, use scrotal support and apply ice packs after surgery. Ask your health care provider if you need to avoid aspirin or other types of blood-thinning medication before and after surgery.
Infection at the surgery site.
Although very uncommon, infections are a risk with any surgery and may require treatment with antibiotics.
Chronic pain.
Persistent pain after vasectomy reversal is uncommon.

Dr. Landon Trost, a Mayo Clinic specialist in male infertility and andrology, provides a general overview on vasectomy reversal.

Learn more about vasectomy reversal services

Watch: Dr. Trost gives an overview of a vasectomy reversal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dStgbp3NzT0
Learn more about vasectomy reversal and men's health issues on Mayo Clinic Connect.

This article is written by Mayo Clinic staff. Find more health and medical information on mayoclinic.org.