What you need to know about a vasectomy, and the possibility of reversing it.
Vasectomy
It may be the ultimate form of human contraception- a vasectomy, is not an option to take lightly. Even if the procedure it considered a minor surgery by the specialists who perform them, vasectomies put an end to male reproductive ability. It is therefore important to reflect and weigh the validity of the reasons you are considering this decision.
The procedure
A vasectomy is deemed a minor operation. It surgically blocks the vas deferens of the male reproductive system, preventing movement and transferral of sperm. The time-span of the surgery is quite short, about twenty minutes. Since the 90s, surgeons have practiced a method which excludes the use of a scalpel. The operation is usually performed in a medical clinic. In many cases, public and private health insurance plans reimburse at least some of the expenses.
Is a reversal possible?
Yes, reversing a vasectomy can be done. The procedure is called vasovasostomy. However, it cannot 100% guarantee that men will return to their former reproductive capacity. Again, it is so important to think carefully before making this decision. There are a couple of ways to proceed, for those who are convinced they need to reverse a vasectomy. Vasovasostomy, or vasectomy reversal, reconnects the vas deferens to allow sperm to return to the semen. It appears that the amount of time elapsed between the vasectomy and the vasovasostomy (reversal) will greatly impact a man’s ability to recover and reproduce again. Indeed, it may surprise you to learn that after a vasectomy, men’s bodies will actually begin to produce anti-sperm antibodies. These sperm killing anti-bodies will not disappear, even after a reversal.
Costs
The price of a vasectomy seems affordable, just a few hundred dollars; however the fee to reverse it, (vasovasostomy), will cost you thousands. Unlike many other Canadian provinces, Quebec residents can often count on a full refund from their provincial health insurance plan (RAMQ). For example, according to Clinique OVO, a vasovasostomy is estimated to cost approximately $ 4000, but is free for citizens who are covered by the RAMQ.
Common reasons to reverse vasectomy
Several reasons may explain why men change their mind. Including:
• New life partner / divorce;
• The death of a loved one or a child;
• Change in financial or social status;
• Pain felt post vasectomy (10% of patients).
The 180 degree turn: vasectomy reversal
The importance of making an informed choice regarding a vasectomy and vasovasostomy cannot be sufficiently underlined. First consult a specialist, a doctor or even a psychologist to understand your personal motivations for wanting this procedure. Furthermore, in recent years, less invasive alternatives to the vasectomy have emerged. Among them, tiny devices (silicone plugs) inserted into the male reproductive system effectively prevent the flow of sperm. Likewise, clinical trials are still underway to evaluate the safety and viability of a chemical vasectomy (polymer gel) – both of which are reversible.
