Can I be a father even though I had a vasectomy?

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Mar 14, 2017/ 0 Comments / in Male health / by

Life has many twists and turns: it is unpredictable and we never know what the future holds for us. Some people strongly believe that they do not want to have children; but suddenly one day, they may meet someone who completely changes their life purposes. Like, for instance, becoming a father. But, what if we have already taken a step to avoid having (more) children? What happens if a man already had a vasectomy? Can it be “undone”? A surgical procedure makes it possible to reverse the effects of vasectomy; it is called vasovasostomy. Do you know what is it? We explain everything below.

vasovasostomia

What is vasovasostomy?

It is a surgical intervention, which reconnects the previously divided and tied vas deferens (ducts) to enable the sperm go through once again. Therefore, it is the reversion of vasectomy. This procedure is usually the preferred option for patients who wish to have children after a vasectomy or for patients who suffer from testicle pain due to a sperm granuloma secondary to a vasectomy surgery.

How is this surgical procedure done?

First, an incision will be made to access the vas deferens. Then, the surgeon cuts off the clogged ends of the deferens and makes small cuts in the testicle section. These cuts aim to confirm the presence of seminal fluid and to examine their quality with the help of a microscope. If sperm is present, saline solution will be injected into the deferens to ensure permeability. Then, the surgeon joins together the healthy ends of the deferens with microscopic thread. The doctor works from the scrotal sac with local or spinal anaesthesia, depending on the particular circumstances of each patient. Vasovasostomy is a complex surgery that requires an expert on Urology and Andrology with previous experience. This microsurgery lasts between 2 and 4 hours.

Once I have undergone surgery, when will I be fertile again?

Over 80% of patients show sperm in the seminal fluid 30 days after the intervention. From then on, the quality of the seminal fluid gradually increases. Most commonly, patients recover their fertility among the third and sixth month after the surgery, although it depends on each person.

Can I have a vasovasostomy at any moment after a vasectomy?

Dr Rosselló’s Sexual Medicine Institute has managed to reverse vasectomies which took place 15 years ago. For reversing vasectomies older than that, the chances of successfully restoring fertility through this means, are lower. In any case, the first thing attending a medical consultation in order to check the deferens condition to confirm if it is possible to undergo this surgery.

How is the postoperative care after the vasovasostomy?

  • Refrain from physical effort for at least 10 days.
  • If working in a seating position, work may be resumed within 3 or 4 days. If, professional activity involves standing or to moving a lot, it is better to wait a whole week before going back to work.
  • Avoid exercising and sports within the first three weeks after surgery.
  • Refrain from having sex for 15 to 20 days after surgery.
  • Do not forget to go back to see your doctor in order to follow the progress and evolution of the intervention.
  • Ask your medical specialist if you have any doubt or any pain.

What can I do if vasovasostomy does not work? Do I have more options to have children?

If vasovasostomy is unsuccessful, the patient and his partner may undergo an artificial insemination or in vitro　fertilization (IVF) with an intracytoplasmic sperm injection. This mechanism extracts sperm directly from the testicle, the epididymis or the vas deferens through biopsy or through puncture.

This is the perfect option for women older than 40 years old, because they will have a greater chance of success in the fertilization process. It is also a good option for those men that only want offspring from an isolated pregnancy, but who do not want to have any more children in the future.

Besides, IVF with the intracytoplasmic sperm injection is quicker than vasovasostomy: the process is faster and the results are usually short-termed, whereas vasovasostomy is a more long-termed process.


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