1.What is a Vasectomy Reversal?

Vasectomy reversal is a microsurgical procedure which restores the flow of sperm through the vas deferens. During the original vasectomy the vas deferens – the tube which carries sperm from the epididymis to the prostate – is cut and clamped. This results in no sperm being present in the semen which is expelled from the penis during ejaculation. A vasectomy reversal involves removing the clamps and stitching the vas deferens together again, (or in a minority of cases actually attaching the vas deferens to the epididymis – a procedure known as a vasoepididymostomy) thereby allowing the flow of sperm once more.

2. How much does a Vasectomy Reversal Cost?

This varies from country to country. In the USA, the price of a vasectomy reversal is anything from between $4000 and $20000. In some cases it may be possible to undergo the procedure under local anaesthetic at the surgeon's offices rather than having to incur hospital fees. This will reduce the cost to as low as $2500 but is not possible in all cases – ask your surgeon if this is a possibility.

3. What Are the Chances of Success?

This depends on how long ago the original vasectomy was performed. The longer the time lapse the greater the chance of blockage or damage to the vas deferens. However the current level of technological advances in microsurgery means that as many as 97% of men who undergo a straightforward vasectomy reversal experience a return to normal sperm counts and 50% of cases resulted in pregnancy. However, if the original vasectomy occurred 15 or more years ago this figures drop to 71% and 30% respectively.

4. What Things Should I Consider When Choosing A Surgeon?

Make sure you are well informed when deciding on a surgeon for your vasectomy reversal. The relative skill and experience of your surgeon will have a huge bearing on whether or not your operation is successful. Ask the surgeon if he is able to perform a vasoepididymostomy using an operating microscope. This is a crucial question since it is usually only possible to tell whether this more involved surgery will be necessary once your operation is underway.

5. How Long Will It Take After The Vasectomy Reversal To Have A Chance Of Making My Partner Pregnant?

It will be at least 12 months after your procedure that your partner has a chance of becoming pregnant, although statistically most pregnancies occur 2 years after the vasectomy reversal. The best advice therefore would be not to delay the procedure and additionally the longer the time lapse between vasectomy and reversal the less chance of success.

About the Author
© Daniel Morris 2005 - All Rights Reserved

Daniel Morris is a writer and webmaster of numerous health-related web sites including Vasectomy-Reversal-Info.com