Couple doing vasectomy reversal research.

Are You Having Second Thoughts?

Sometimes, men have a vasectomy, thinking they don’t want any more children, but then have second thoughts. About 300,000 men in the United States have vasectomies each year, and somewhere between three and six percent of those men later decide to reverse those vasectomies. In the past, this was a long shot. Today, vasectomy reversal is safe and effective. But is it the right option for you? Here are some factors to consider when making the decision.

Conception is Not Guaranteed After a Reversal

Vasectomy reversals are much more successful than they used to be, but no procedure is 100 percent perfect. Sometimes, it takes up to 12 months for a stable semen analysis test, and sometimes other factors make conception difficult. Your partner’s age and fertility status come into play, as do things like testicular issues, the length of time since the vasectomy was done, and problems with the vasectomy itself.

There May Be Health Risks

Serious complications are rare with vasectomy reversal, but they do sometimes occur. Bleeding within the scrotum, infection at the surgery site, and chronic pain can all result, though they are uncommon.

Vasectomy Reversal Can Be Costly

Vasectomy reversal can be expensive, even without considering costs like anesthesia fees. What’s more, health insurance often will not cover it. Talk to your fertility specialist about the cost, and make sure there are no surprises when you receive your bill.

Finding the Right Surgeon is Important

Vasectomy reversal is a complicated procedure, involving complex microsurgery. Ultimately, the original surgery can have a major impact on the reversal. For a successful reversal, choose an experienced, trained microsurgeon. Ask about the success rates of any surgeon you are considering, and check credentials before committing.

Three Vasectomy Reversal-Friendly Situations

• Your life has changed significantly. Maybe you’ve become a widower, or you’ve divorced, and now you’re remarried. Maybe you have lost a child. Whatever the reason, if your life changes make you re-evaluate the decision not to have more children, a vasectomy reversal may be the right choice.
• You’ve had a sincere change of heart. You might have been 100 percent sure, earlier in life, that you didn’t want children or that your family was complete already. Now, later in life, you’ve come to regret that decision. Vasectomy reversals can be reversed many years after the original procedure, so if you have changed your mind, talk to a specialist about whether a vasectomy reversal is right for you.
• The vasectomy has caused issues for you. Sometimes, men experience complications following a vasectomy. This is not common, but if it does happen, your surgeon may recommend a vasectomy reversal to correct the problem.

Fertility Experts Offering Exceptional Patient Care

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.