5 Considerations If You’re Thinking About a Vasectomy Reversal

As the number of children in the average U.S. household continues to decrease while the costs associated with raising a child continue to rise, many couples have opted for a vasectomy as a form of birth control. In fact, you probably know men who have opted for the fairly quick and not-too-painful procedure. 

More commonly, though, couples are looking into the possibility of vasectomy reversals – a surgery to reverse a vasectomy – for any number of reasons. Perhaps a man who was previously married and thought he was done having children is now in a new relationship and wants to explore the possibility of having more. Or perhaps a couple who thought they were sure before about not having any more children have changed their minds later in life. Whatever the reason, vasectomy reversals are becoming increasingly popular, and using microsurgical techniques – combined with minimal anesthesia options – has made the procedure more appealing in recent years. 

From the medical team at Avant Concierge Urology in Central Florida – which specializes in vasectomy reversals – patients are encouraged to bear the five following considerations in mind if they are thinking about a vasectomy reversal. 

1. The Down-Time Factor

During the course of the past decade, advances in microsurgical procedures have come a long way. Avant’s Medical Director Dr. Sijo Parekattil is world-renowned for being at the forefront of microsurgery specifically as it relates to urologic functions, having performed over 1000 vasectomies and reversals over the course of his career. He has ensured that Avant Concierge Urology was built with the very best and most tech-advanced microsurgical tools and systems available throughout the globe. Additionally, patients of Avant can elect to have a vasectomy reversal done in-office with a variety of low-anesthesia options, ensuring the procedure is quick and virtually painless. Most vasectomy reversals require less than a half-day in the medical suite, and just a week or two of recovery both at home and at-work. 

2. Rates of Success

A vasectomy reversal involves the reconnection of each tube (vas deferens) that carries sperm from a testicle into the semen. Following a vasectomy, a man’s testicles continue to produce sperm. The sperm just no longer have a way out of the body. Due to this, a man’s fertility is typically restored by a reversal. After a successful vasectomy reversal, sperm are again present in the semen, making men more likely to be able to get their partner pregnant again. The success rates of pregnancy following a vasectomy reversal – generally between 30 and 90% – are dependent on a number of factors; namely the amount of time that has passed since the vasectomy was originally performed, partner age, surgeon experience and training, and whether there were fertility issues before the vasectomy.

3. Fertility Considerations 

As is the case for any couple trying to conceive, there are a number of fertility factors to consider that will not be impacted one way or another by a vasectomy reversal. Couples who are interested in a vasectomy reversal in order to attempt to get pregnant should also factor in the age of the female partner as well as the health of the man’s sperm. It’s important for men who are interested in having a vasectomy reversal ― as well as their partners ― to be examined beforehand for any fertility issues and to discuss options.

4. The Cost of a Vasectomy Reversal

Because vasectomy reversals are considered elective procedures, many insurance companies will not cover the expense. It’s important to check with your individual insurance company in advance to find out if you’ll need to pay for a vasectomy reversal out of pocket. Fortunately, since the procedure has come such a long way given microsurgery and the resulting limited time spent in-office for a vasectomy reversal, providers like Avant Concierge Urology are able to make the procedure more affordable for couples who are eager to try to conceive children. 

5. Know When a Vasectomy Reversal May NOT Be the Best Option for You

Deciding to have a vasectomy reversal is a decision that should be approached with a lot of thought. Couples exploring this option should take time to really think about whether it is the right choice for them. If there are other fertility factors at play – such as a woman’s age – exploring the possibility of a sperm retrieval procedure to enable in vitro fertilization may be a better option. As stated above, it’s important for men who are interested in having a vasectomy reversal ― as well as their partners ― to speak with the experts at Avant Concierge Urology to discuss options.

Want to learn more about vasectomy reversals and whether or not the procedure might be right for you? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step towards making your dreams a reality.