One of the reasons a vasectomy is highly effective is that it is meant to be a lasting, permanent procedure. Nevertheless, a couple may later have a change of circumstances and consider surgery to reverse the vasectomy – a procedure known as a "
vasovasostomy
."
About 5 to 10 percent of the half million men who opt for vasectomy each year later elect to have the vasectomy reversed. A vasectomy reversal is a microsurgical procedure performed by a urologic surgeon to reverse sterility caused by a vasectomy.
You will find that a doctor who is an expert in vesectomy reversal will very likely having taken special courses or training in microsurgically reconnecting the cut ends of the vas deferens. The vas itself is about the diameter of a round shoelace. This surgery is often performed under a microscope with fine sutures no thicker than a human hair.
Some people are better candidates than others, but the answer is generally 'yes'. Rejoining the cut ends of the vas deferens is technically possible, but it is a significantly greater challenge than the original vasectomy. Disconnecting this miniature pipeline (the vas) is easier than stitching it back together again.
Chances for success depend on many factors, including how long ago the original vasectomy was performed. In general, men who are less than 10 years out from their vasectomy have a better chance of success. If the vasectomy was performed less than three years ago, the reported overall statistical likelihood of reopening a vas channel is 97 percent. But if 15 years or more have passed, the chances drop to 71 percent. The passage of time also reduces the chance of a pregnancy resulting because the actual sperm may no longer be able to complete the process of fertilization. The following table is based on a
study of over 1,000 patients
by multiple vasectomy reversal surgeons*.
|
Years since vasectomy
|
Chance of rebuilding an open vas channel
|
Chance of pregnancy
|
|
Less than 3 years
|
97 %
|
76 %
|
|
3 to 8 years
|
88 %
|
53 %
|
|
9 to 14 years
|
79 %
|
44 %
|
|
Greater than 15 years
|
71 %
|
30 %
|
* Belker AM, et al.Results of 1,469 microsurgical vasectomy reversals by the Vasovasostomy Study Group. Journal of Urology 1991; 145(3):505-11.
Every vasectomy case is unique.
There are no guarantees about the success of a reversal. Commonly, the chances of success can range from good to excellent, but each individual is different. A couple should discuss success factors with an experienced doctor before reaching an informed decision.
For more information about vasectomy reversals or to use an online FIND A DOCTOR directory,
CLICK HERE
.
