Making babies - Health & Medicine - reversing vasectomies - Brief Article

American Fitness, Nov-Dec, 2002 by D.K. Howe

Each year, 100,000 to 200,000 men decide to have vasectomies. However, 5 percent eventually have a change of heart and want another child. So, what can they do? Most people think a vasectomy is permanent because a reversal was previously considered too complicated and was usually unsuccessful. However, this was before the development of new microsurgical techniques, instruments and suture materials. According to Dr. Philip Werthman, a Los Angeles-based male-fertility expert, it is rare that a vasectomy cannot be reversed.

A vasectomy consists of cutting and tying the vas deferens. The reversal, known as a vasovasostomy, surgically reconnects the two tubes. Dr. Werthman performs the vasovasostomy as an outpatient procedure in one to two hours. Recovery time is approximately five days.

Nevertheless, a reversal does not guarantee one will soon hear the pitter patter of little feet around the house. The sooner a vasectomy is reversed, the greater the chance of achieving pregnancy. "When less than three years have elapsed between the original surgery and the reversal, 76 percent of men are able to impregnate their partners," says Dr. Werthman. While a vasovasostomy doesn't ensure conception, a study published last March shows it is more successful than in-vitro fertilization. It is also three times less expensive. Before considering a vasovasostomy, a man's partner should undergo a gynecological exam to ensure adequate fertility potential. For older couples, genetic counseling may also be helpful.