The Risks, Results, and Success Rates of Vasectomy Reversals

If you have had a vasectomy and now regret it, you may wonder if you can have it reversed. The good news is that vasectomy reversals have come a long way, and it’s very possible to have a successful reversal. The bad news? The surgery can be far more complicated than a vasectomy.  

• How is the procedure performed? Because a vasectomy involves severing or blocking the tubes that carry sperm from your testes to your penis, a vasectomy reversal is done by rejoining them. This is done using microsurgery, either to sew the ends of these tubes (vas deferens) back together, in a procedure called vasovasostomy, or to attach the ends of tubes to the small organ at the back of the testicle that holds sperm. This is called a vasoepididymostomy, and it’s a much more difficult procedure, used only if for some reason you can’t have a vasovasostomy or your doctor believes it won’t work for you. Sometimes, it’s necessary for a doctor to perform a combination of these two procedures.  
• How major of a procedure is it? A vasectomy reversal is either performed in a hospital or a clinic, typically under general anesthesia. It takes between two to four hours, and the patient can usually go home the same day. Patients with desk jobs can usually return to work in a couple of days, while those who do physical labor or have a job that involves excessive walking or driving may need to wait a while longer.  
• What are the risks? It’s rare to experience any serious complications from a vasectomy reversal, but there are a few risks. Sometimes, bleeding within the scrotum leads to a collection of blood called a hematoma, which can be painful. Rarely, patients experience chronic pain after a vasectomy reversal or contract an infection that requires antibiotics. The best way to reduce the risks of complications is to follow your doctor’s instructions exactly.  

• How soon will you know the results of the procedure? Your doctor will collect semen samples from you for about four to six months, and examine them to check for the reappearance of sperm. For patients who undergo a vasovasostomy, it can take as long as six to twelve months for sperm to reappear, while those who have a vasoepididymostomy may have to wait more than a year.  
• What’s the success rate for vasectomy reversals? That’s another piece of good news. Up to 90 percent of vasectomy reversals are successful. Of course, the ability to conceive a child involves many factors, and pregnancy rates after vasectomy vary widely, ranging from 30 to 90 percent. Sometimes patients decide to have some sperm frozen prior to the procedure, in case it’s unsuccessful. That way, even if they are unable to conceive through intercourse, they may be able to use assistive reproductive technology to father children.  

If you’re considering a vasectomy reversal, the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is here to help. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our caring and skilled team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other concerns about their fertility. We accept major credit cards as well as cash and checks, and we also offer a payment plan option for those who are unable to pay the entire fee at the time of surgery. Whether you’re ready to schedule a procedure or just have questions and want to learn more, you can contact us through our website, or call 941-894-6428 to arrange a free consultation.