Several times a month a patient, who has had a reversal, will drop off a specimen to see if there are any sperm present. This evaluation takes just a minute to do. If sperm is present it means that the reversal mechanically is open and has been successful. This evaluation however doesn’t count the sperm, that would require a full semen analysis which is done through the hospital lab and quantitates the actual number of sperm present.
For the purposes of seeing if the reversal “worked or not” the in office check for sperm is sufficient. If there are no sperm and it has been three months post reversal this may either means that reversal is not open but probably more likely that the testicles have not “picked up the ball” and started producing sperm yet. It can take four to twelve months for the sperm to be produced in numbers sufficient for conception. The time to producing sperm by the testicles post vasectomy is large part dependent on the interval between the vasectomy and the reversal.
It is always a “drum roll” moment when the specimen is dropped off for me to evaluate and always rewarding to see sperm moving about so excited to be set free and get to work.
The following is not a post reversal sample but it shows what you want to see in the ejaculate after a reversal. It is also interesting how the maker of the video created the project.
Want to schedule a vasectomy reversal phone consultation?
You have had your vasectomy…here are some “after the procedure” instructions and a heads up on potential issues that are peculiar to having a vasectomy.
The small opening at the midline of the upper strotum does not have a suture and will close on its own. A thin film of Neosporin ointment daily is recommended. Any spotting/oozing is usually corrected with pressure to the incision site for 30 minutes.
You can shower the day after the procedure, but don’t let water hit the procedure site directly.
Ice to the scrotum after the procedure helps with swelling and with discomfort. (Lidocaine is used at the opening and along the course of the vas tubes so there is anesthesia for an hour or so after the procedure.)
You’ll be given something for pain, this is to be used in an “as needed fashion.” If you don’t have pain, don’t take it or use Advil or Aleve. Taking a half a pill is acceptable.
Try to be off your feet with the scrotum elevated strictly for the first 24 hours and then as much as possible for the next two days. Most patient who have the procedure on a Thursday or Friday take it easy over the weekend and return to work on Monday. If you have a strenuous job, you may want to gradually get back into your routine.
For the first week after the vasectomy, compression underwear to stabilize the scrotum and elevation of the scrotum with a rolled sheet when sitting can reduce any swelling.
No sexual activity for one week.
No unprotected sexual activity until we have evaluated two negative specimens. It takes approximately 25 ejaculations to clear the tube beyond the vasectomy site. (A couple can achieve pregnancy if there is unprotected sexual activity before the sperm has completely cleared.) We recommend evaluation of specimens as a rule at 6-8 weeks. It is not about the time since the vasectomy, it is about the number of ejaculations.
Even though the opening is in the middle of the upper scrotum, the vasectomy sites are on the left and right underneath the skin. Discomfort, bruising or asymmetrical swelling is not uncommon, but should slowly improve over several days.
Each patient is given two specimen containers after the procedure and there are several options regarding checking the post-vasectomy specimen. Dr. McHugh examines semen specimens with a microscope at no expense. (The best days for dropping off the specimen is Monday, Wednesday and Friday-but it best to call to be sure he is available to examine.) For out of town patients, specimens can be taken to a local hospital for a “post vasectomy” semen analysis (we can fax an order) or use online test kits such as spermcheck.com.
It is not unusual, maybe 5-10% of specimens, will have a rare sperm. This just means that more time/ejaculations are necessary to completely clear all of the sperm. We will require two consecutive completely negative evaluations.
There are no special instructions about the specimen. If you obtain the specimen in the morning and drop off later in the day, this is not a problem. We are not doing a formal count, only the presence of absence of sperm. We will call you back with the results that day.
Concerns you may have after the procedure-How to contact us.
If any issues arise that you have questions about, feel free to contact us using the form below.
We will be happy to speak to you (770) 535-0000 or if you feel it is necessary, we will arrange for an examination in the office at no expense to you.
Our email: ngurology@gmail.com (Dr. McHugh replies on weekends!)
You also can utilize our text to email option. (You text your comment/concern and it comes immediately to our email. We check our email numerous times a day and on weekends.) The response comes back to you as a text. Here’s the number: 770-376-5616
Thank you for allowing us to participate in your care.
The Lewis and Clark expedition took 2 years, 4 months and ten days, but it should not take you that long to figure out where you should have your vasectomy or microscopic vasectomy done.
Board certified anesthesia, board certified urologist, practice owned accredited urological surgery center and over 30 years of experience are all good reasons help you “Discover” your urologist.
Vasectomy.com Question: “What are the options for the no scalpel vasectomy?”
Ga No Scalpel Vasectomy: Whether the concern about having a no scalpel vasectomy is pain, cost, convenience or safety…we have you covered! Check out the link below-“Everything you’d ever want to know about having a vasectomy” at Northeast Georgia Urological Associates. Dr McHugh does between 30-40 a month, hundreds a year and several thousand in his 30 year urological career in Northeast Georgia.
Anesthesia (Absolutely no discomfort): we offer conscious sedation by a board certified anesthesiologist on Thursday. In this scenario, you’ll have an I.V., monitored and will sleep through the procedure safely with absolutely no discomfort. The medicine used by the anesthesiologist goes to work quickly and goes away out of your system quickly, so it is ideally suited for this type of procedure.
Local anesthesia with a pre-med (Usually Valium/Tordol as an oral premedication before the procedure and then local anesthesia with Lidocaine. This method is suited for the patient that has no fear of needles, no anxiety with medical procedures or passes out easily. This is a more streamlined method and is commonly done on Friday.
Insurance and Self Payment Options: Our office accepts most all insurances and we have relationships with them. This means that we accept what they allow. You may have a deductible and other particular specifics of your plan, but that is what we go by.
If you are self pay: Our fee is $950.00 and this is all inclusive and can be done on a Thursday or a Friday.
The Consultation: This is done with an in office visit which has the advantage of being able to perform an exam and assess options for anesthesia.
The procedure itself: All no scalpel vasectomies across America use a small hemostat to spread the skin (i.e. no scalpel), however whether after dividing the vas deferens tube the urologist uses cautery, clips or suture the success rate of 1/2000 is about the same. It becomes about the preference of the urologist. Dr. McHugh uses electrocautery (fulgurate or heat). We have learned over the years that many patients prefer not having the foreign body of the clip left in the scrotum. (See link above for the McHugh Method eBook on Vasectomy)
So the answer to the question is that there are several combinations of how the procedure is billed and options re: how it is performed. We do them all. We have done thousands of vasectomies over the years and perform hundreds a year.
“We know a thing or two about doing vasectomies, because we’ve done a vasectomy or two.”
Dr. McHugh is Georgia’s most experienced no scalpel vasectomy and microscopic vasectomy reversal urologist.
“The office staff was very nice and very informative to me and my wife. The doctor was very personable and made you feel comfortable. He explained everything he was doing and explained it before he did it. I would recommend him to anyone and you don’t find that in many doctors these days.” Z.S.
More concerns or questions? Email us.
Mike McGinnis
2023-03-18
I can’t say enough great things about this place! 100% make sure you choose the nitrous oxide to help. Truly painless and the nitrous oxide put me at a level of peace I had never felt before.
Thanks for everything!
Michael Berliner
2023-02-16
If you’re looking for a vasectomy, look no further. There is a reason for all the five star reviews. Dr. McHugh and his team were as good as you could ask for. Very professional and took excellent care of me. 10/10 experience for something that has the potential to be very stressful.
Andrew Simmons
2023-02-13
Highly recommend Dr. McHugh. He was very thorough on explaining the procedure. His team was also very transparent on my options of paying for the procedure and what they would be.
Seth Willoughby
2023-02-06
Really glad I stumbled upon Dr.Mchugh. I have chosen him for my vasectomy.I 100% would recommend him to the highest degree for any of your urology needs.
Brianna Redding
2023-02-01
After 5 years of having a vasectomy. My husband and I wanted to give our daughter a sibling. We drove 2 hours to have Dr. McHugh and his team give us a chance at growing our family again. They were informative and the overall surgery was handled smoothly leaving us with high hopes. 7 months later and we were expecting our second daughter. We cannot thank the practice enough and highly recommend them.
JT Mc Dowell
2023-01-20
Dr was awesome, staff was all amazingly positive and easy going which made the entire experience a breeze. Even had Slipknot jamming in the room for me during the procedure which was so quick. 10/10 I would recommend anybody to them for their vasectomy needs.
Jordan Voss
2023-01-16
I had a great experience getting my reversal done here. The whole team was great and worked with me to make me feel as comfortable as possible. Dr. McHugh is very personable and is one of the most experienced doctors in the area so it was an easy choice. I would recommend to anyone who wants a vasectomy or reversal done.
Matt Dyer
2023-01-06
Dr. McHugh and his team were great, any questions that may be brought up he had an answer to. I would recommend Dr. McHugh to everyone.
Dylan McClellan
2022-12-31
Dr. John McHugh and staff were so friendly and made the whole process super simple and smooth. I will be recommending all of my friends interested in a vasectomy to come straight to him and his team. Don’t hesitate to call them first
The three things…The surgeon, the quality of fluid at the time of the procedure, and the years since the vasectomy…and a little luck.
Time to Sperm Appearance Can Be Predicted After Vasectomy Reversal
Urology – November 30, 2007 – Vol. 23 – No. 08
After vasectomy reversal, motile sperm observed intraoperatively at the testicular vas, undergoing vasovasostomy, and an obstructive interval of <=8 years predict shorter time to appearance of sperm in the ejaculate.
Article Reviewed: The Kinetics of the Return of Motile Sperm to the Ejaculate After Vasectomy Reversal. Yang G, Walsh TJ, et al: J Urol; 2007; 177 (June): 2272-2276.
The Kinetics of the Return of Motile Sperm to the Ejaculate After Vasectomy Reversal.
Yang G, Walsh TJ, et al:
J Urol; 2007; 177 (June): 2272-2276
Objective: To study the time to appearance of sperm in the ejaculate for men undergoing vasectomy reversal. Design: Retrospective chart review of men who had undergone bilateral vasovasostomy, bilateral epididymovasostomy, or a combination of vasovasostomy on 1 side and epididymovasostomy on the other. Participants/Methods: 150 men whose records included intraoperative findings with type of reversal performed, record of sperm presence or absence, and associated fluid findings from each testicular vas deferens. Results: Presence of motile sperm in vasa was associated with a shorter time to postoperative presence of sperm observed in the ejaculate: 95% of men with motile sperm in the intraoperative vasal specimen were observed to have sperm in the ejaculate by 6 months after vasectomy reversal compared to 76% of men without motile sperm in the intraoperative specimen (P =0.04). Features correlated with a shorter onset to the observation of sperm in the ejaculate within the first 3 months after vasectomy reversal included an obstructive interval of <=8 years and vasovasostomy rather than epididymovasostomy. Patient age did not affect time to the observation of sperm in the ejaculate after vasectomy reversal.
Conclusions: Motile sperm observed intraoperatively at the testicular vas, undergoing vasovasostomy, and an obstructive interval of <=8 years predict shorter time to the appearance of sperm in the ejaculate after vasectomy reversal.
Reviewer’s Comments: The similarity with previous studies by other investigators of time to sperm seen in the ejaculate, with an average of 3.2 months for vasovasostomy and 6.3 months for epididymovasostomy, provides excellent counseling information for couples considering vasectomy reversal. (Reviewer–Craig S. Niederberger, MD).
The decision to reverse a vasectomy should be considered carefully by each couple. As a woman, you may have special concerns that are difficult to express.
Vasectomy reversal (and the microsurgery involved) raises questions for both men and women. Although men need to be forthcoming about any questions, concerns and fears they share with their physician, it is just as important for women to be informed and reassured about the procedure. You may be surprised to know that many women share the apprehensions about reversal surgery that you may have.
Candid questions, correct information, and the assurance of an experienced urologist are the keys to feeling more comfortable and sure about the decision you and your spouse have made to have a vasectomy reversal. Make a list of the questions that concern you most before meeting with your doctor.
Here are some of the questions women commonly ask:
“This is my first marriage– and his second. Will my spouse’s older age affect the health of his sperm or our babies born after his reversal?”
Generally speaking, a man who has healthy sperm can reasonably expect to father a healthy child. A man’s age does not affect fetal development the way a woman’s does. But time does have an impact on successful conception.
The longer the amount of time between a man’s vasectomy and his reversal, the less potent he may become. This is why: After a vasectomy, unreleased sperm collect in the testicles before being absorbed by the body. The body responds to the unspent sperm with a reaction that can affect, to some degree, sperm quality and health. Over time, this reaction can gradually reduce the mans sperm count, and impair sperm motility.
A successful reversal that results in pregnancy is proof that the man has a healthy, adequate sperm count. The course of pregnancy that follows a vasectomy reversal should be as normal as any other pregnancy. A vasectomy reversal merely restores sperm to the seminal fluid. It should not affect the health of an unborn baby in any way, no matter how old the man is at the time of his reversal.
“Will a vasectomy reversal affect a man’s ejaculation?”
Sperm is only a tiny portion of the seminal fluid that is released at ejaculation. Just as a vasectomy does not change the volume, color, or consistency of the ejaculate, neither does a vasectomy reversal. Sperm are impossible to detect in seminal fluid without the use of a microscope. The quality, intensity and duration of a mans orgasm and ejaculate will not change after a reversal.
“How long will it be until my spouse and I can resume sex?”
Physicians usually advise that it is best to wait three or four weeks following the reversal procedure before returning to sexual activity. It will take additional time before sperm returns to the ejaculate.
“Does the vasectomy reversal procedure leave scars?”
Despite the greater complexity and time involved in a vasectomy reversal procedure, there is usually no lasting or noticeable difference to the feel or appearance of the scrotum.
“How soon can I expect to get pregnant?”
If reversal is successful and healthy sperm rejoin the seminal fluid, it may take 12 months, on average, to achieve pregnancy. The range, from reversal to conception, is between one and 82 months. Most couples achieve pregnancy within a year.
“Can I and should I be examined and tested for fertility first, before we decide on a reversal?”
Since many couples consider reversal surgery a costly matter, women often do choose to consult with their own physicians or fertility specialists first, to determine whether there is any question or doubt about the woman’s ability to conceive and complete a healthy pregnancy.
“How long will my husband be in pain, and what can I do to help?”
You can expect your husband to experience some degree of discomfort and swelling in the first three to five days following reversal surgery. A gradually decreasing ache in the scrotal region will follow and may last for three to four weeks. His attention to doctors orders during the recovery process, lots of ice and rest, and your tender loving care will be the best medicine for your husband.
“Does a vasectomy reversal make you more, or less, susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases?”
Vasectomy and vasectomy reversal surgery do not protect couples from the risk of transmitting or contracting a sexually transmitted disease. These diseases are transferred in body fluids, such as saliva or semen. Both men and women should use condoms if any potential risk of sexually transmitted disease exists.
“How old is ‘too old’ for a couple considering vasectomy reversal?”
All women lose the ability to conceive by late middle age. Women over the age of 40 may experience difficulty conceiving with assisted reproductive techniques (ART).
Men can remain potent and father children even after the age of 70. However, a man may not want or be able to parent a new child at a later stage of life. The older you are, the fewer the years that you have left in which to raise an infant to adulthood. And older couples often have more health problems as they age.
“My husband does not want more surgery-he says that sperm aspiration is easier and just as effective as vasectomy reversal. Is it?”
A vasectomy reversal, performed under general anesthesia, is virtually painless, more natural and more likely to result in pregnancy than an assisted reproductive technique (ART) that begin with sperm aspiration as the first step. Besides a lower rate of success, ARTs have much higher costs, involve a greater number of complex, uncomfortable procedures, and take considerably more time than that required to perform a comparatively simple and safe reversal.
In a straight comparison, reversal surgery is preferable to ART and should be considered first, unless conception and pregnancy cannot be achieved any other way.
“What if we just want one child. Would not sperm retrieval and in vitro fertility be more efficient?”
Not necessarily. The rate of multiple order births–twins or triplets–is several times higher with in vitro fertility than with natural conception following a vasectomy reversal. The risk of having twins with IVF is 20 to 50 percent depending on which IVF center one is treated at.
In Summary:
A vasectomy should be considered permanent, so have reasonable expectations about the success of reversal surgery. Be informed and discuss all your options with your spouse and your physician.
Some men or couples may not be well suited or economically prepared for a vasectomy reversal or second family, particularly if either partner is over the age of 40 or in poor health. Vasectomy reversal microsurgery is often evaluated as a first course option; generally preferable to assisted reproductive techniques for many couples.
Just call our vasectomy reversal coordinator and mention this post. She will schedule your reversal as soon as possible! 770-535-0001 ext 113 or kathy.burton@ngurology.com.
Because a vasectomy reversal is usually not covered by insurance, the patient usually pays an all inclusive fee to the surgeon. This fee covers all of the components of having a surgical procedure such as:
The fee of the surgeon to perform the reversal.
The facility fee which includes the cost of the nurses and staffing, the facility (operating room), suture materials and the operating microscope, the anesthesiologist and the anesthesia supplies necessary to put a patient to sleep.
The cost of overnight accommodations (if necessary).
At Northeast Georgia Urological Associates our facility is accredited and owned by our practice which in turn allows our all inclusive fee to be much less than if a hospital were used. Our anesthesiologists are board certified as well as Dr. McHugh.
The all inclusive cost for a microscopic vasectomy reversal at the Northeast Georgia Ambulatory Surgery Center is $6,500.00. After promotion- $6,000.00.
Kathy Burton 770.535.0001 ext 113 or kathy.burton@ngurology.com is available to help with all things vasectomy reversal. CareCredit is an option for couples preferring to pay over time.
Can There Be Complete Resolution of Pain for Men With PVPS?
One of the most complimentary letters I have ever received was from a patient on whom I performed a vasectomy reversal for relief of chronic testicular pain which started after his vasectomy years previously. Go figure!
Urology – June 15, 2016 – Vol. 34 – No. 3
A subset of men have complete resolution of postvasectomy pain with vasectomy reversal. Most men have some improvement in pain scores with vasectomy reversal.
Article Reviewed: Vasectomy Reversal for Postvasectomy Pain Syndrome: A Study and Literature Review. Polackwich AS, Tadros NN, et al: Urology; 2015;86 (August): 269-272.
Background: Vasectomy is a common and effective procedure for sterility. Although complications are infrequent, postvasectomy pain syndrome (PVPS) does occur in some subset of patients. Most previous studies report that men who have PVPS do not generally seek additional medical treatment and have minimal affect on quality of life. However, a small subset has pain significant enough to require additional care and procedures.
Objective: To determine outcomes of vasectomy reversal (VR) for PVPS.
Design: Retrospective chart review.
Methods: A single surgeon series was reviewed for men who underwent VR for PVPS. Although there was not an algorithmic approach to preoperative pain management, patients were only considered for VR if they had worsening of pain with ejaculation or arousal. The location of vasectomy site along the vas deferens was recorded at time of the procedure in the operative note. Pain scores were evaluated with a non-validated questionnaire by recall.
Results: 31 patients from a pool of 123 potential patients were included. There was a 59% improvement in pain scores, with 34% of patients reporting a complete resolution of pain. Two patients required additional procedures for pain (epididymectomy and orchiectomy), and 84% of patients would recommend VR to a man with PVPS. There was no relationship between location of vasectomy and possibility of PVPS.
Conclusions: VR for PVPS demonstrated significant improvements in pain scores in this study.
Reviewer’s Comments: Although the questionnaire is non-validated and the pain scores are by recall, the fact that men generally reported an improvement in pain scores with VR is reassuring. As roughly one-third of men had total resolution of pain, there is likely an etiology of vasal obstruction leading to pain among these men. I have always wondered if some of the cases captured in studies looking at PVPS are really just the background of orchalgia in the population that we now attribute to the previous vasectomy. Considering how few men seek medical attention and undergo procedures for PVPS, I have always believed there is likely a group of men who have intermittent scrotal pain and a group who clearly have pain from vasectomy-induced obstruction. In their comments, the authors observe how patients seemed to group into complete (or almost complete) resolution of pain or minimal change in pain. As the authors were thoughtful by only considering men for reversal if they had pain with ejaculation or sexual stimulation, one would hope that this would only select men who truly have an obstruction-induced pain syndrome. This is a nice addition to the literature and does point out that there are some men who fully respond to reversal for PVPS. These men, however, may be difficult to identify preoperatively.(Reviewer–Charles Welliver, MD).
