Factors that Affect Success Rate of Vasectomy Reversal
Posted by Mike Malone | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 30-06-2010-05-2008
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by Holly Wilhelm
While a vasectomy procedure is considered permanent, it is medically possible to reverse vasectomies for some individuals. Because the success of a reversal is not guaranteed, an individual must feel sure that his childbearing years are complete when he makes the decision to undergo a vasectomy. During the procedure, a surgeon severs the vas deferens, the tube that delivers sperm into a male’s semen during intercourse.
A common question that patients ask prior to this operation is whether it can be reversed; sometimes it can.
A vasectomy reversal involves stitching the vas back together in a way that leaves the canal open.
There are several factors that contribute to the success rate of the vasectomy reversal procedure, including the following:
Experience of the surgeon: The surgeon rebuilds the vas channel by reconnecting the clipped ends of the vas deferens. The suture material (or surgical thread) that must be used to stitch the vas deferens back together is finer than a human hair–to see it adequately, a powerful microscope is used during the procedure. A surgeon accustomed to performing this procedure can increase the likelihood of success.
Condition of patient’s tissues: Reconnecting healthy tissue is more likely to be successful than attempting to reconnect damaged tissue. Based on clues gained during and after the procedure, or vasectomy side effects, an experienced surgeon can generally predict how healthy an individual’s tissues will be after a period of time. (Note that few patients experience vasectomy pain during the original procedure; also, discomfort alone is not an indication of tissue damage.)
Amount of time since vasectomy: The less time that has lapsed since the original vasectomy procedure, the greater chance a patient has for a successful reversal. Generally, males who undergo a vasectomy reversal less than 10 years following the original surgery can expect a greater likelihood of success. Those who attempt reversal three years after a vasectomy reportedly have a 97% chance of success. It must also be considered that over time, sperm quality diminishes; this means that even with a successful vasectomy reversal, in some cases, new sperm are unable to fertilize the egg.
The bright news for individuals who have undergone the procedure and vasectomy recovery only to experience life changes that cause them to reverse the procedure is that a reversal can be explored and may be successful. Individuals who have specific questions or concerns should speak with a vasectomy surgeon to confirm the likelihood of success considering their unique circumstances.
About the Author
Holly Wilhelm is a copywriter with over 10 years of professional writing experience, which includes material in more than 26 texts released by US publishers and content on over 30 websites on topics, including technology, education, finance, health, law, and science.
