Vasectomy Reversal Side Effects
Dr. Larry Lipshultz is a leading urologist who can reduce your already low risk of vasectomy reversal side effects at our Houston, TX, practice. If you and your partner wish to conceive, but you have had a vasectomy, a reversal can help you restore your fertility and achieve your goals. This microsurgical procedure is very safe, but it is important to understand that all surgeries carry risks. Dr. Lipshultz focuses on his patients’ safety to deliver outstanding outcomes. To learn more about possible side effects and how we can minimize them, contact our urology practice and schedule a consultation.
Possible Side Effects
The most common side effects and complications that can result from vasectomy reversal surgery include:
- Hematoma: Some patients experience excessive bleeding and clotting in their testicular tissue as a result of vasectomy reversal. In many cases, these will resolve naturally over time, but Dr. Lipshultz may infrequently need to remove larger blood clots if they cause unpleasant swelling or interfere with reproductive health.
- Infection: The incision site can become infected, but this risk is minimized when you choose an excellent surgeon who performs in an accredited facility. Dr. Lipshultz performs vasectomy reversal at Baylor College of Medicine.
- General Discomfort: The treatment site may feel sore for several days to several weeks after your procedure. This is common, and will eventually subside.
- Unsuccessful Results: Microsurgical vasovasostomy has about a 90 percent success rate, while epididymovasostomy is effective about 65 percent of the time. To determine if your vasectomy reversal was successful, we will conduct a semen analysis about two months after your procedure.
- Grogginess, Headaches, or Disorientation: These are typical side effects of general anesthesia and sedation, which Dr. Lipshultz typically uses to keep patients calm and comfortable during surgery. These side effects subside quickly.
- Allergic Reaction: If you are allergic to any of the instruments, medications, or supplies used during your procedure, you may develop a rash or irritated tissue after your vasectomy reversal. To minimize this risk, we will ask about any known allergies.
The potential side effects of vasectomy reversal tend to be mild, and most are preventable through quality care. Dr. Lipshultz and his team will do everything possible to minimize your risks and side effects.
Minimizing Your Risks
Dr. Lipshultz' expertise in urology and experience with vasectomy reversal minimize risks. You can also help ensure that your procedure is safe and successful by:
- Providing full and complete information about your medical history and current condition to Dr. Lipshultz at your initial consultation. This includes describing any previous allergic reactions you have had and disclosing your current use of medications, supplements, and recreational drugs, which could interfere with your surgery.
- Following Dr. Lipshultz’s pre- and post-operative instructions.
- Voicing any questions or concerns you may have about your procedure ahead of time.
About Vasectomy Reversal Surgery
If a man no longer wishes to have children, he may undergo a vasectomy. During this procedure, Dr. Lipshultz severs the vas deferens, the tubes that connect the testes to the urethra to transmit sperm into the ejaculate. Sometimes vasectomy patients change their minds and decide they want to have children. In this case, Dr. Lipshultz can perform vasectomy reversal surgery.
If you have had a vasectomy, but during surgery still have fluid and sperm present on the testicular side of the vas deferens, as most patients do, Dr. Lipshultz can perform a microsurgical vasovasostomy to reconnect the vas deferens. Patients who do not have fluid and sperm on the testicular side of the vas deferens can undergo an epididymovasostomy, a more complex procedure to connect the abdominal side of the vas deferens with the epididymis, a duct on the back of the testicle where sperm matures.
Contact Our Urology Practice Today
Working with an accomplished, qualified male reproductive specialist like Dr. Lipshultz can minimize risks associated with vasectomy reversal. You can learn more about vasectomy reversal and find out if you qualify for this procedure by contacting us today to schedule an appointment.