Navigating the Decision: Factors to Consider Before Opting for Vasectomy Reversal

Man doing research on vasectomy reversals.

Understanding Vasectomy Reversal

A vasectomy is a common procedure, with about 500,000 vasectomies performed in the United States each year. Vasectomies are a minimally invasive and highly effective form of permanent birth control, usually done as an outpatient procedure. It is possible to have a vasectomy reversed, and about six percent of men who have vasectomies later decide to reverse them. In contrast to a vasectomy, however, a vasectomy reversal is very complicated. The procedure involves the surgical reconnection of the tubs that carry sperm from the testicles into the semen. Pregnancy rates vary after vasectomy reversal, ranging from about 30 percent to over 90 percent, depending on various factors.

Factors to Consider

If you are among the number of men desiring to reverse a vasectomy, there are some things you should think about before moving forward. A vasectomy reversal is difficult and costly, and insurance often won’t cover the procedure, so careful consideration is necessary. Asking yourself a few questions will help you determine if vasectomy reversal is right for you.

• What are your reasons? Why do you want to reverse your vasectomy? Maybe you have remarried, have suffered the loss of a child, or have just had a change of heart. Consider whether your desire to conceive a child is strong enough to warrant undergoing a complex surgery, or if other options may be open to you, like adoption.
• How long ago was your vasectomy? The larger the span of time between the vasectomy and its reversal, the lower your changes of conceiving naturally. The good news is that, within 10 years of a vasectomy, a vasectomy reversal performed by an experienced surgeon has a 90 percent chance or higher of resulting in pregnancy.
• Are there additional circumstances that would impair your ability to conceive a child? You should be examined by a reproductive specialist, to determine whether you can still produce healthy sperm and if there are any medical complications, like scar tissue or a blockage, which could impede your fertility. Your partner must undergo an examination, too, to determine her level of fertility. Women over age 40, and those who have never had a child, may have difficulty conceiving.

What’s to Decide?

Once you’ve determined whether you are a good candidate for vasectomy reversal, decide whether this is really the route you want to take. There may be other fertility options available to you, like sperm retrieval and IVF. Talk to your doctor about the different options to help you achieve your reproductive goals.

The most important decision you will make on your fertility journey is the choice of surgeon. A vasectomy reversal is a complex microsurgery, and requires an experienced and highly-skilled surgeon to successfully complete it. Sometimes, a vasectomy reversal requires a more complex repair, called a vasoepididymostomy, which requires an extremely skilful surgeon.

Center for Vasectomy Reversal Cares About Men’s Health

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, men’s health is our priority. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their health and 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. Dr. Green has had extensive training in urology, microsurgery, and vasectomy reversal, and he founded the Center for Vasectomy Reversal to provide the highest level of patient care while delivering optimal surgical results. To learn more about how our experienced team can help you reach your reproductive goals, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.