Vasectomy reversal?

[xylodian]

Hi. I had a vasectomy many years ago before I knew it was a sin to do so. Since then, I’ve come to understand the Church’s teaching on contraception, and have gone to confession and received absolution regarding my sterilization. Nothing was ever said about reversing the operation. Now I hear that I should also have a reversal done. I’ve looked into it, but was told that it would be pointless, since so many years have passed since the operation, reversal would almost certainly be impossible to achieve. To complicate matters, I now have a serious, incurable illness that would make surgery much riskier than before. Now I’m wondering if I am still supposed to pursue a pointless, risky operation, which is also very expensive, or should I donate the money I would have spent on it to charity in reparation for my sin instead?

 

[1ke]

I don’t know where you are hearing you are “supposed” to have a vasectomy reversal.

The Church does NOT teach that you must do so.

There is no condition attached to the forgiveness of the sin of sterilization. If you have contrition, confessed sacramentally, and did your penance-- you are forgiven.

 

[teachccd]

A reversal is not a condition for absolution. Carry on with the Church’s teachings and you are good to go. I, too, beat myself up for this and regret it to this day even though I was absolved… I know that I am definitely harder on myself than an infinite loving God could ever be. Peace be to you… teachccd

 

[Annabelle_Marie]

Hi. I had a vasectomy many years ago before I knew it was a sin to do so. Since then, I’ve come to understand the Church’s teaching on contraception, and have gone to confession and received absolution regarding my sterilization. Nothing was ever said about reversing the operation. Now I hear that I should also have a reversal done. I’ve looked into it, but was told that it would be pointless, since so many years have passed since the operation, reversal would almost certainly be impossible to achieve. To complicate matters, I now have a serious, incurable illness that would make surgery much riskier than before. Now I’m wondering if I am still supposed to pursue a pointless, risky operation, which is also very expensive, or should I donate the money I would have spent on it to charity in reparation for my sin instead?

I haven’t heard that you NEED to have a reversal. I did hear on Catholic answers that for a penance…or “repayment”, you should make sure you don’t misuse the intent of the sterlization. In other words, to have control and not just have sex all the time because you know you won’t get your wife pregnant. But he didn’t way anything about needing to have a reversal. And you did the right thing by going to confession.

 

[TheQuestioner]

There’s no need for reversal.

 

[xylodian]

Thanks everyone for your wonderful replies. I was certain that if there was any such teaching that a reversal was necessary, someone here would show me where to find it. Hearing that a reversal is not necessary really helps put my mind at ease. I especially value Annabelle Marie’s remarks that “you should make sure you don’t misuse the intent of the sterlization”.

Thanks again.