Sometimes men who have undergone a vasectomy would like to reverse the procedure. This decision is entirely up to the individual, and reversing the process is possible. When you meet with a skilled urologist, you'll be able to learn more about the reversal surgery and how it can help you achieve your various goals.

Right now we want to consider the potential risks of vasectomy reversal. It's important that patients know the potential risks involved so that they can have realistic expectations about the entire treatment process.

About Vasectomy Reversal

Vasectomy reversal essentially involves the re-attachment of the vas deferens, which are cut during the vasectomy. When a vasectomy is reversed successfully, a man is again able to father children again.

Are complications common after vasectomy reversal?

The chance of complications are common after any surgery, and both a vasectomy reversal and the initial vasectomy are no exceptions. During your consultation, we'll be sure to address all of the potential complications of vasectomy reversal so that you can make a well-informed decision regarding the surgical procedure.

Risk of Infection After Surgery

As with any surgery, there is a possible risk of infection. Thankfully modern sterilization techniques are able to greatly reduce infection risks.

Risk of Fluid Accumulation In the Scrotum

Another potential risk following the vasectomy reversal is known as hydrocele. This involves the accumulation of fluid around one or both of the testicles. In order to treat hydrocele, the patient's scrotum will need to be drained.

Risk of Nerve and Artery Damage In the Scrotum

Patients who undergo a vasectomy reversal can potentially experience injury to the nerves and arteries located in the scrotum, which can affect blood flow and sensation. Your surgeon will work carefully and conservatively in order for this not to happen.

Risk of Vasectomy Reversal Failure

One risk of vasectomy reversal that patients need to keep in mind is that the procedure may not be successful. In these instances, a man may not be fertile again given the nature of the surgery.

And important factor to consider with this risk is the timing of the vasectomy reversal. When a man has a vasectomy reversed within three years, there is a good overall chance of being able to father children again. If the reversal surgery is performed roughly 10 years after the initial vasectomy, the chances of male fertility are roughly 30%.

Before the vasectomy reversal is performed, you will be tested to see if your body has developed antibodies that attack their own sperm. If this is the case, the vasectomy reversal would not be advisable since the sperm would not be viable in the patient's own body.

Ways of Avoiding Serious Complications

To avoid complications after vasectomy reversal, it's important that patients follow all instructions for pre-op and post-op care to the letter. This goes a long way to ensure ideal conditions for healing.

In addition, it's important that patients take their initial decision to undergo a vasectomy seriously. If a patient is ambivalent about the vasectomy and believes he may want to reverse the procedure later on, it's a good idea to simply not undergo the vasectomy and examine various non-surgical methods of contraception.

Learn More About Vasectomy Reversal

For more information about vasectomy reversal and what it entails, be sure to contact our Houston urology and men's health clinic today. The entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the very best with regard to your health and wellness.