No sperm six months after vasectomy reversal
Oct 17th 2009adminVasectomy reversal
From Carla:-
My husband had a vasectomy reversal in March 2009 after having the original vasectomy about 9 years before. Doctor said there was not any fluid when he did the reversal but that didn’t mean it wouldn’t work. My husband had tremendous swelling and pain for 3-4 weeks after the procedure. He still has a swollen testicle now, 6 months later and the doctor says its normal. He has been tested 3 or 4 times and has not shown any signs of sperm returning. We have a son together that is 10 years old and he has a daughter from a previous marriage who is 13 years old. The doctor is now recommending a dosage of Clomid to try to kick start things for him. Would you agree this is the right step? What are your thoughts on the still existent swelling?
It is not clear which operation was done but it seems that a vasovasostomy was performed when an epididymovasostomy should have been done. The absence of fluid in the vas deferens at the time of surgery represents that a secondary obstruction has developed in the epididymis. Unfortunately, many general urologists perform vasectomy reversals and are not capable of performing an epididymovasostomy when it is required despite the recent practice guidelines from the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) stating:
“Since it is seldom possible to determine pre-operatively if epididymovasostomy will be required in a man undergoing vasectomy reversal, only surgeons skilled in both epididymovasostomy and vasovasostomy should perform vasectomy reversal”
The lack of sperm in the ejaculate after a vasovasostomy six months after vasovasostomy represents a failed procedure. Clomid can improve the production of sperm but will not overcome the blockage that still exists. Persistent swelling in the scrotum 6 months after the procedure is equally concerning and should be evaluated by a physician.
