A vasectomy is a birth control technique that is considered effective and safe. Sometimes men who have undergone the procedure seek to reverse its effects due to various reasons. You and your partner may want to consider the available options. The two of you can decide if a vasectomy reversal is an ideal choice for you.
Factors Influencing the Success of a Vasectomy Reversal
If you are thinking of undergoing a vasectomy reversal, you may want to assess the factors that hinder or favor the procedure’s success. Some of the most significant factors include:
Type of vasectomy reversal procedure
Reversing the effects of a vasectomy can be done either through a vasoepididymostomy or a vasovasostomy. The latter requires surgical reconnection of both ends of your vas deferens. In a vasoepididymostomy, the cut ends of your vas deferens are directly linked to the epididymis (1).
The epididymis is the tube that is connected to the testicle. Compared to a vasovasostomy, the vasoepididymostomy is more complicated. Usually, vasoepididymostomy is preferred when there is damage to the vas deferens. It has a lesser vasectomy reversal success rate than a vasovasostomy.
Your preferred surgeon
A vasectomy reversal is complicated and has a higher chance of success when performed by an experienced urologist with medical certifications. Typically, insurance companies do not cover the costs of vasectomy reversals (2).
Some patients could weigh the extra costs of getting a urologist who specializes in performing microsurgeries. A vastly experienced surgeon attracts a relatively high price for performing a vasectomy reversal.
Age
Even though a vasectomy reversal can be performed on men of all ages, those under 45 years have better success rates (3). Those who are above the age of 45 should talk to their urologist regarding the likelihood of having a successful vasectomy reversal.
Hormonal Factors
Men who have undergone testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) are likely to have a sperm count that is below average. Having such a sperm count could interfere with a vasectomy reversal. If you intend on having a vasectomy reversal procedure, your doctor may recommend discontinuation of the therapy for three to six months (4).
Surgery Location
The surgical site of the vasectomy procedure is crucial. Some vasectomy procedures take place near the testicle. Normally, these are harder to reverse and could necessitate a vasoepididymostomy. The success rates are higher if the vasectomy happened far from the testicle.
Alternatives for Conception
There are many contraceptive choices for men who have gone through a vasectomy procedure. Vasectomy reversals are among the most affordable options. However, there are other procedures that couples can consider. ARTs (assisted reproductive technologies) like IVF (in vitro fertilization) could offer more suitable alternatives.
This is particularly true in cases where vasectomy reversals are a nonviable alternative, or you want to avoid another surgery. The costs of ARTs, including IVF, are in part covered by health insurance companies. However, IVF could require multiple cycles before achieving conception. Also, this technique has a lower rate of success compared to vasectomy reversals.
Vasectomy Reversal Success
Vasectomy reversals are possible for up to two decades or longer following the original procedure. However, you have higher chances of success if the reversal is conducted after a short period since your vasectomy.
Links to Sources Used:
- Vasovasostomy and vasoepididymostomy: Review of the procedures, outcomes, and predictors of patency and pregnancy over the last decade https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6194271/
- Vasectomy reversal: a clinical update https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4854082/
- Factors predicting overall success: a review of 747 microsurgical vasovasostomies https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2422992/
- Early and late long-term effects of vasectomy on serum testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7500459/