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Vasectomy Reversal Decision Process

Deciding to Reverse a Vasectomy

The decision to have a vasectomy reversal can be difficult. There are annually 500,000 men in the U.S. who choose vasectomy as a means of permanent birth control. About five percent of these men choose at some point in time to reverse the vasectomy. Studies showed that the average men who decided to have a vasectomy reversal was 37 years old following a vasectomy on average seven years before.

Emotional Reasons for Vasectomy Reversal

Most of the time, there is an emotional reason behind the decision to reverse a vasectomy. Some of the top reasons to seek vasectomy reversal are the loss of a child or remarriage, or just the desire to have more children to complete the family.

Medical Reasons for Vasectomy Reversal

In rare cases, men experience continuous discomfort after a vasectomy. This can occur sometimes immediately after the vasectomy surgery or years after and might only be successfully treated with a vasectomy reversal.

Factors to Consider for Vasectomy Reversal

Cost of Vasectomy Reversal

Besides the emotional aspect of deciding to have a vasectomy reversal, there is the cost involved for the surgery. Usually not covered by health insurances, a vasectomy reversal can cost between $5,000 and $10,000, depending on the quality of the original vasectomy.

Timing for Vasectomy Reversal

If you plan to conceive later and not right away, it is advised not to postpone the vasectomy reversal. Even though we see cases where sperm returns to the ejaculate within two months after the reversal, it may take up to 12 months to report a stable semen analysis test result.

Delayed Success or Failed Vasectomy Reversal

Even though success rates are very high, there is always a small risk that the return of sperm to the ejaculate will take years. Depending on the quality of the previous vasectomy, it might not be successful at all. Studies confirm that the more recent the vasectomy, the more likely successful the reversal. After a vasectomy reversal, sperm counts are monitored several months. If sperm hasn’t returned to the ejaculate after one year, the reversal is considered a “failure”. The most common reason for failure is a blockage in the tubes, which can occur. Also, since sperm continues to be produced, it may escape through the cut tubes into the surrounding tissue. This causes the body to produce anti-sperm antibodies to fight them, which can cause production of damaged sperm after a vasectomy reversal.

To set ideal conditions for a successful vasectomy reversal, other factors may be considered before the procedure such as an elevated FSH level (follicle stimulating hormone), which may be an indication of testicular failure. In addition factors like testicular atrophy, infertility of the female partner and the details of the vasectomy may be included in the decision process.

See also Vasectomy Options and Alternatives
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