Vasectomy Reversal – How to Increase the Chance of Success

A vasectomy reversal is possible should a man who has had his vas deferens severed decides that he wants to be fertile again. While new operating procedures have increased the success rate of vasectomy reversals, the guarantee is still not absolute. Whether or not a man could impregnate a woman again after having undergone vasectomy depends on a number of factors.

There are two kinds of vasectomy reversals. The more common of the two is vasovasostomy. Doctors who follow this surgical procedure reconnect the severed ends of the vas deferens by sewing them back together. On the other hand, vasoepididymostomy is done by joining the vas deferens to the epididymis. This type of vasectomy reversal is more complicated and is done when there is an obstruction in the epididymis.

Time is definitely of the essence when you want to have a vasectomy reversal. The success rate of the operation depends on how long you have waited before deciding to have your vas deferens reconnected; having it within three years after the vasectomy definitely increases your chances of being able to father a child. A vasectomy reversal's success rate gradually drops if performed beyond that period. There is no prescribed period as to when it should be done though. You could have your vas deferens reconnected again even after 10 years have already elapsed since your vasectomy. However, the desired results might not be achieved anymore.

Vasectomy Reversal Breakthroughs

Modern microsurgical procedures have made a vasectomy reversal less complicated. Before these new methods were developed, sewing the vas deferens together was a very difficult task. At present, surgeons use operating microscopes in order to see the vas deferens better. These innovations benefit not only the doctors, but also the patients as well since microsurgery considerably increases the chances of success.

While a vasectomy reversal is not considered as a major operation, the task is more delicate and complicated than a vasectomy. As is the case when severing the vas deferens, the surgical procedure involved when reconnecting the vas channel is done on an outpatient basis and very rarely requires hospital confinement. The costs can be high though, as the operation requires expertise in microsurgery. Fees usually range anywhere from $5,000 to over $13,000.

Vasectomy Reversal Success Rates

The success rate depends on the type of vasectomy reversal that the surgeon conducted. The chances of being fertile again are higher in vasovasostomy. Sperm has been detected in the semen of 85% to 97% of the patients who chose this procedure. Around half of them have successfully impregnated their partners. On the other hand, sperm was present in the semen of 65% of the men who underwent vasoepididymostomy. However, only around 20% of them have successfully fathered a child.

One of the most pivotal parts in your endeavor to have your fertility back after vasectomy is choosing the right doctor. Since vasectomy reversals are now done using small operating microscopes, the surgeon should definitely have a thorough knowledge on microsurgery. He should have a considerable experience and skill in examining the quality of the vas liquid, as well as in determining the best spot to perform the vasoepididymostomy.

Vasectomy does not put a definite period to your subsequent desire to have a child again. As long as you have the right doctor and have decided promptly on the matter, you can expect a favorable success rate on your vasectomy reversal.