ideal for men who:
- Want to have additional children
- Have had a vasectomy less than 15 years previously
- Where the female partner is still young
anatomy
Sperm is continually produced in the testicles, then moves through small tubes (efferent tubules) to the epididymis. Within this structure, the sperm matures, until they have become motile and are able to fertilise the female egg. This may take several months.
During ejaculation, the mature sperm moves from the epididymis, through the vas deferens (a thick muscular tube) to the urethra, mixing with fluids from the prostate and seminal vesicles to form the ejaculate (semen).
During a vasectomy, a small section of the vas deferens
is surgically removed and the ends sutured closed. This blocks the movement of sperm from the epididymis to the urethra
Procedure
The vasectomy reversal rejoins the two cut ends of the vas deferens, thus removing any blockage and allowing free movement of the sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.
Initially, two small incisions are made on the side of
the scrotum. From this point, one of two microsurgical techniques are used: Vasovasostomy, or Vasoepididymostomy
This is the most common procedure utilized, whereby the two previously cut ends of the vas deferens are rejoined using fine sutures.
This technique is used when the two ends of the vas deferens cannot be rejoined. Instead, the vas deferens is joined directly to the epididymis. Success rate is not as good compared to the vasovasostomy.
Success rates
The use of microsurgery has increased the patency rate (the appearance of motile sperm in the ejaculate) to 97% within 3 years of a successful vasectomy (see table below).
| time since vasectomy | patency rate | pregnancy rate |
|---|---|---|
| < 3 yrs | 97% | 75% |
| 3 – 8 yrs | 88% | 50 – 55% |
| 9 – 14 yrs | 79% | 40 – 45% |
| 15 – 19 yrs | 70% | 30% |
| > 19 yrs | 40% | < 10% |
more information
If you would like to book an appointment to discuss your options, make sure you have a referral from your GP or specialist and use our online appointment form or phone us on (07) 3367 1608.