Why Wouldn’t a Vasectomy Reversal Work?
As mentioned above, scar tissue in the vas deferens might account for some of the fertility problems of men who have undergone a vasectomy reversal. Even after the ends of the vas deferens are rejoined, scar tissue within the vas deferens may obstruct the free flow of sperm. The other reason is a bit more complicated. After a vasectomy, the testicles continue to manufacture sperm, even though they can’t make it to the outside world. These sperm may be mistaken by the man’s immune system as foreign invaders, and the immune system produces antibodies against them in the same way that the immune system makes antibodies to destroy other foreign invaders, such as viruses or bacteria. This can mean that, even after a vasectomy reversal, the man’s immune system continues to destroy his sperm. Researchers are also looking at how vasectomy may affect other microscopic, chemical fertility factors in men that may not be restored with vasectomy reversal.
