Starting a Family After a Vasectomy Reversal

The motivation to start or grow a family is what leads most patients to seek a vasectomy reversal. Although vasectomy reversals can be extremely effective, there are many other things to consider when getting a vasectomy reversal with the goal of achieving a pregnancy. Even after a successful reversal, there are still reasons that pregnancy may be difficult, so discussing your goals with your surgeon is important. Here are the facts you need to know.

Reversal isn’t immediate.

After a vasectomy reversal, sperm does not become present in the semen immediately. The time it takes for the ejaculate to contain sperm varies from patient to patient. Your surgeon may recommend screening your semen six weeks after surgery for the presence of sperm and will repeat the screening periodically if no sperm is seen. For most men, sperm return to the semen within a few months of the procedure, but for some men, it can take a year or more. Pregnancy will not be possible until sperm are in the ejaculate fluid.

Repeat reversals may be necessary,

Sometimes, scar tissue develops along the pathway the sperm travels because of the surgery, which can cause a blockage that prevents sperm from reaching the semen. When this occurs, sometimes it is necessary to repeat the reversal surgery to avoid the area where scar tissue is present. In other cases, the reason for surgical failure may not be obvious, but repeating the reversal can be successful.

Male infertility isn’t the only factor.

After male infertility is corrected with a vasectomy reversal, fertility issues in the woman can make pregnancy impossible. Factors such as age and gynecological conditions can interfere with female fertility, so that pregnancy isn’t possible even after a successful vasectomy reversal. Your surgeon may recommend that both parties get screened for fertility problems if pregnancy doesn’t occur in a reasonable amount of time after a successful vasectomy reversal.

Dr. Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal works with each couple individually to help them achieve their goal of starting a family. Talk to Dr. Green in Sarasota to see if a vasectomy reversal is right for you. Make an appointment today by calling (941) 961-4581.