Q27. What happens if I change my mind?

A27. If you decide that you do want to start a family then there is the option of a vasectomy reversal.

However this is not without its difficulties.

Vasectomy reversal does work but not for everyone. It costs more than a vasectomy and is a difficult and time consuming process. There is no guarantee that it will restore your fertility.

Plus it is not usually available on the NHS.

But it does work for some men and there is no reason why you wouldn’t be one of the successful ones. If you do opt for this then the likelihood of success will depend upon the length of time between your vasectomy and this reversal.

In other words: the longer the period of time between a vasectomy and a reversal the less chance of it being successful.

The reversal procedure is discussed fully in our Complete Guide to Vasectomy Reversal.

If you are uncertain about this then consider ‘sperm banking’: this is where you have your sperm frozen at very cold temperatures with the option of using this at a later date if you change your mind.

This is discussed further in our sperm banking before surgery section.

FAQS Index : A guide to Vasectomy

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Vasectomy FAQs

1. What is a vasectomy?
2. Why is it called ‘the snip?’
3. Why should I consider a vasectomy?
4. Am I suitable for a vasectomy?
5. Does it hurt?
6. What are the benefits of a vasectomy?
7. What are the side effects of a vasectomy?
8. What is ‘post-vasectomy pain syndrome?’
9. How much does a vasectomy costs?
10. Can I have a vasectomy on the NHS?
11. How long does a vasectomy take?
12. Is there more than one procedure?
13. What is ‘no-scalpel’ vasectomy?
14. Can I have a local anaesthetic?
15. How soon can I return to work after a vasectomy?
16. I play sports; how soon can I resume them?
17. What is the success rate for a vasectomy?

18. What is the failure rate for a vasectomy?
19. How long do I have to wait after my vasectomy before having sex?
20. Is there a link between vasectomy and prostate cancer?
21. Is there a link between vasectomy and testicular cancer?
22. Will it affect my sex drive?
23. Do I still have to use condoms after surgery?
24. Will it affect our sex life?
25. I am not sure whether to have a vasectomy; shall I go ahead anyway?
26. Can I go abroad for a vasectomy?
27. What happens if I change my mind?
28. What is a vasectomy reversal?
29. What is a tubal ligation?
30. Is there an alternative to a vasectomy?

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