Some men who are unable to have a child because of a vasectomy may have had a change in their circumstances and now wish to restore their fertility.
Why you might need it
If your circumstances change, vasectomy reversal offers a chance to father a child.
Feedback from couples where the man has had successful vasectomy reversals with us are a constant reminder of the impact our work has on the lives of people like you. One couple told us, after a successful conception, that the operation had been "a last resort before we resigned ourselves to the fact we may never have a child together". In that case, the man had the reversal operation some 19 years after his vasectomy.
A vasectomy reversal is routinely performed as a day-case procedure, without an overnight stay in hospital.
You'll be asleep during the operation following a general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will make one or two cuts in your scrotum, usually where the cuts were made for the original operation, before delicately repairing the broken tubes with dissolvable stitches.
You probably remember that after your vasectomy your scrotum was sore and bruised for a few days. Expect something similar when the reversal is completed. You should also avoid any form of sexual activity for three weeks afterwards.
If you decide to have your procedure with us, you will be looked after by an experienced multi-disciplinary care team.
Find a Spire hospital offering this treatment
Who will do it?
Our patients are at the heart of what we do and we want you to be in control of your care. To us, that means you can choose the consultant you want to see, and when you want. They'll be with you every step of the way.
All of our consultants are of the highest calibre and benefit from working in our modern, well-equipped hospitals.
Our consultants have high standards to meet, often holding specialist NHS posts and delivering expertise in complex sub-specialty surgeries. Many of our consultants have international reputations for their research in their specialised field.
Before your treatment
You will have a formal consultation with a healthcare professional. During this time you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.
We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.
Preparing for your treatment
We've tried to make your experience with us as easy and relaxed as possible.
For more information on visiting hours, our food, what to pack if you're staying with us, parking and all those other important practicalities, please visit our patient information pages.
Our dedicated team will also give you tailored advice to follow in the run up to your visit.
The procedure
We understand that having surgery can potentially be a time of anxiety and worry. Our experienced and caring medical staff will be there for you, holding your hand, every step of the way.
A vasectomy reversal operation is usually done under a general anaesthetic, which means you'll be asleep throughout the procedure and will feel no pain. The general anaesthetic ensures you are completely still during a very delicate procedure.
Your surgeon will make two cuts, one in each side of your scrotum. Sometimes, only one cut is needed. Usually, the cuts are in the same place as the scars from your vasectomy. The ends of each tube are carefully pulled through the incision. With the help of an operating microscope, your surgeon will repair each tube using dissolvable stitches. The tubes are placed back inside the scrotum and the skin is closed with stitches.
The operation usually takes between one and two hours.
Aftercare
A vasectomy reversal is routinely performed as a day-case procedure, without an overnight stay in hospital.
Pain relief
You probably remember that after your vasectomy your scrotum was sore and bruised for a few days. Expect something similar after the procedure is reversed.
Recovery time
It's best to avoid any form of sexual activity for three weeks after operation as ejaculation can damage the delicate reconnection work that your surgeon performed. You should be able to resume other daily activities within a day or two.
End results
You should abstain from all sexual activity for three weeks but it is possible that your partner could conceive a child soon any time you resume intercourse.
How your loved ones can help
As you'll have had a general anaesthetic you'll need to have arranged a taxi or a friend or relative to take you home.
After you leave hospital
Even once you’ve left hospital, we’re still here for you. Your consultant will likely want to see you after your operation to see how you're doing. A follow up appointment will be made for you.
On rare occasions, complications can occur. If you experience any of these symptoms - increased swelling or redness, increased bleeding from the wounds, a high temperature or fever, severe pain – don’t hesitate to call us. We will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they apply to you.
If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery, we're ready to help.
Why choose Spire?
We are committed to delivering excellent individual care and customer service across our network of hospitals, clinics and specialist care centres around the UK. Our dedicated and highly trained team aim to achieve consistently excellent results. For us it's more than just treating patients, it's about looking after people.
Important to note
The treatment described on this page may be adapted to meet your individual needs, so it's important to follow your healthcare professional's advice and raise any questions that you may have with them.