Vasectomy Reversal 101
Success Rates
In 80- 90 percent of patients who have a vasectomy reversal, viable sperm is restored to the semen. Approximately two-thirds of couples are able to conceive a child in the two-year period following the reversal. The likelihood of pregnancy depends on a number of factors, including the number of years since your vasectomy, how it was done, and your partner's age and fertility potential. We recommend that your partner be evaluated for fertility prior to scheduling a vasectomy reversal with one of SRM's Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Specialists..
Surgical Options
Vasectomy Procedure
Using a microscope that magnifies the delicate vas up to 40 times the actual size, the scarred ends are removed. Examination of the vas fluid for the presence of sperm is done. If sperm are present, the freshened ends are aligned and reconnected with fine stitches. Unlike some other surgeons, our urologists use a two-layer technique, connecting both the inner opening and outer, muscular layer of the vas illustrated here.
Bypass Procedure
If sperm are not present in the vasal fluid, a bypass procedure, or vasoepididymostomy, may be performed. This may be required if much time has elapsed since the original vasectomy, making it likely that the epididymal tube has ruptured (called a "blowout") blocking the flow of sperm.
In this case, a reverse vasectomy would fail. Using the bypass procedure, the surgeon connects the vas to the single epididymal tube.
Why a Vasectomy Reversal Would be Unsuccessful
There are a few conditions that may require repeating the surgery or moving on to the in vitro method of conception:
- Although rare, scar tissue can develop at the surgery site, causing a blockage.
- If a "blowout" has occurred, and is not detected during surgery, a bypass will need to be performed.
- Sperm count may be normal, but motility poor. This condition generally corrects itself over time.
- Approximately 30 percent of men who have had vasectomies develop antibodies against their own sperm.
Other Reproductive Options Available for Couples
If the vasectomy reversal surgery is unsuccessful, you can consider repeat surgery, or assisted reproduction techniques such as in-vitro fertilization. Dr. McClure or Dr. Walsh can retrieve sperm at the time of the initial surgery, if this is an option you want to consider.
