Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypes of Reversible VasectomyFactors Affecting Success RateProcedureSide Effects and RisksHow Soon Reversal Takes EffectCost and Affordability
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types of Reversible Vasectomy
Factors Affecting Success Rate
Procedure
Side Effects and Risks
How Soon Reversal Takes Effect
Cost and Affordability
Reversible Types of Vasectomy
Up to 6% of men in the U.S. undergo a vasectomy reversal at some point. There are two types of vasectomy reversal procedures: avasoepididymostomy(also known as anepididymovasostomy) and avasovasostomy.
A vasoepididymostomy is typically recommended if you have no sperm or sperm parts in your vasal fluid or a blockage is present. It involves reconnecting the two ends of the vas deferens. If you have some remaining sperm or sperm parts, your healthcare provider may recommend that you undergo a vasovasostomy, a type of microsurgery in which the vas deferens is connected to the epididymis (the tube at the back of each testicle).
What Is Recanalization?
Several different factors affect your potential for restored fertility after a vasectomy reversal. These factors include:
A Word From VerywellSuccess rates depend upon numerous factors including patient and partner age, intraoperative findings, and duration since vasectomy. It is recommended that patients inquire about postoperative chances of success based on their clinical situation and also consider alternative options including testis biopsy and IVF for certain situations.—MATTHEW WOSNITZER, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Success rates depend upon numerous factors including patient and partner age, intraoperative findings, and duration since vasectomy. It is recommended that patients inquire about postoperative chances of success based on their clinical situation and also consider alternative options including testis biopsy and IVF for certain situations.—MATTHEW WOSNITZER, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Success rates depend upon numerous factors including patient and partner age, intraoperative findings, and duration since vasectomy. It is recommended that patients inquire about postoperative chances of success based on their clinical situation and also consider alternative options including testis biopsy and IVF for certain situations.
—MATTHEW WOSNITZER, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Reverse Vasectomy Procedure
Pre-Op
Before your procedure, yoururologistwill perform a full evaluation of your fertility and overall health. This will include a physical assessment of your testicles and the vasectomy site, bloodwork, and a review of your family and medical history.
Men who have recently undergonetestosterone supplement therapy (TST)may be asked to switch to a different medication or undergo testicular aspiration (the retrieval of a tissue and sperm cell sample from your testicles using a thin needle). Your healthcare provider may also counsel you about the potential outcome and risks of a vasectomy reversal, including your chances of pregnancy after the procedure.
During
A vasectomy reversal is an outpatient procedure, meaning you won’t need to stay overnight at the hospital or clinic. It’s performed undergeneral anesthesiaand usually takes three to four hours.
If you have a history of infertility, your healthcare provider might suggest that you get sperm extracted to be frozen forin vitro fertilization(IVF) during your procedure.
Post-Op and Healing
After your operation, you’ll typically be asked to support your scrotum with a jockstrap or briefs for up to two weeks. Your healthcare provider may also recommend that you apply an ice pack to the area intermittently and avoid sex and strenuous physical activity for the first few weeks after your surgery.
The most common side effects of a vasectomy reversal are pain and swelling. More serious complications are rare. Potential complications include:
Your vasectomy reversal could take effect within weeks or months, or it could take up to a year. For some people, pregnancy isn’t possible for over a year.
Your healthcare provider will likely want to repeatsemen analysesevery three months until sperm is found in your ejaculate. If you still don’t have sperm in your sample after several months, steroid therapy may help to restore your fertility.
Because vasectomy reversal is a complex andelective procedure, it’s unfortunately often expensive. Health insurance rarely covers it.
The average cost of a vasectomy reversal in the U.S. ranges from around $5,000 to around $15,000. However, these costs may vary widely depending on where you live, which kind of reversal procedure you need, your health coverage, and your chosen healthcare provider.
Summary
Vasectomy reversals are microsurgeries aimed at restoring male fertility after a vasectomy. There are two types: vasoepididymostomy and vasovasostomy. Vasectomy reversals are often successful, and serious complications are rare. However, not everyone who undergoes a successful vasectomy reversal can get their partner pregnant.
If you’ve had a vasectomy and think you may want to have another child, talk to your urologist. They can go over the potential benefits and risks of a vasectomy reversal procedure with you.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Vasectomy.
Planned Parenthood.Are vasectomies reversible?
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.Vasectomy.
American Urological Association.Vasectomy. Last updated: 2015.
Planned Parenthood.Vasectomy.
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