Yes, you can reverse a vasectomy

Unlike tubal ligation, which is performed in women, vasectomies are reversible. - AFP

People change their minds.

Some men who had a vasectomy to become infertile might decide for whatever reason that they want to have more children.

In those cases, vasectomy reversal can be an option.

About half a million vasectomies are performed every year in the United States for men who no longer want to have children.

And of those, 6% will elect to have it reversed at some point in their lives.

“It’s definitely more involved.

“A vasectomy is a 15- to 30-minute procedure, but a reversal is a two-and-a-half-hour to four-hour procedure,” says Mayo Clinic urologist Dr Sevann Helo.

The vas deferens tubes carry mature sperm from the testicles to the urethra in preparation for ejaculation.

“We’re essentially putting those two tubes back together that were initially cut for the vasectomy,” he explains.

Almost all vasectomies can be reversed, but it doesn’t guarantee success in conceiving a child.

Pregnancy rates after a reversal range from 30% to 90%, depending on the procedure.

And after a vasectomy reversal, there is some recovery time.

“I generally tell patients to take it easy for at least four weeks.

“That means no heavy lifting, straining or strenuous exercise, including sexual activity.

“After four weeks, a couple can start trying to conceive,” says Dr Helo. – Mayo Clinic News Network/Tribune News Service