Vasectomy Reversal: The Solution For You?
By Mark Slocum
More than half a million have a vasectomy each year, yet two to six percent of them — some 10,000 to 30,000 men — decide later on to have the vasectomy reversed. What happens in the surgery? Ducts that carry sperm from the testicles into the semen are reconnected. With a successful vasectomy reversal, sperm are present in your semen again.
First you and your spouse should check with a physician to determine whether both of you are fertile. Second, know the cost. Vasectomy reversal can cost between $6,000 and $15,000. And a word of caution the procedure doesn't always work and most likely it isn't covered by insurance.
What to expect and how to prepare.
OK, what do you do first. Interview your prospective doctor. Ask how many procedures your physician has performed and how many were successful. Though the operation is done on an out patient basis, determine the cost, including the hospital stay. Once you decided on a doctor, he or she will advise you not to take aspirin or ibuprofen for two weeks before and after the surgery, because they act as blood thinners. Instead it will be recommended that you use acetaminophen ( Tylenol, etc.) for headaches and discomfort.
You will check into a hospital. Surgery takes from two to four hours, plus time to recover from anesthesia. You could choose to ask your doctor to save some of your sperm during the procedure for freezing. This is a precaution, in case the procedure doesn't take. A small number of vasectomy reversals do not work.
After the vasectomy reversal the man will stay in the hospital for a few hours, or overnight. Your surgeon will make sure recovery is on course and look for any problems that may arise. Don't drive yourself home. Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery.
For the first four weeks after the surgery, do not engage in sexual intercourse. Patients are also cautioned to avoid showering and swimming pools for a few days after the procedure.
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