10 Vasectomy Reversal FAQs

A vasectomy reversal, also called a vasovasostomy, is undergone by around 500,000 men each year in the U.S. who have previously had a vasectomy. Men considering the vasectomy procedure are strongly encouraged to consider the procedure as permanent contraception, but sometimes, there is a clear need to reverse this decision. Dr. Martin Bastuba and the Male Fertility & Sexual Medicine Specialists understand that men who choose to have a vasectomy reversal have not come to this decision lightly, but this doesn’t mean you are without questions.

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1. Why do men want a vasectomy reversal? The reasons for reversing a vasectomy vary, but most common motivations include a change of circumstance, such as the passing of a spouse/partner or divorce/separation from a partner.
2. Can you reverse a vasectomy after five years? After 10 years? More than 10 years? Yes, Dr. Bastuba has performed successful vasectomy reversals on patients whose original vasectomy occurred more than 20 years ago, though the success rate for the procedure is affected by the amount of time that has passed since the vasectomy.
3. Can a vasectomy reverse on its own? This is very rare and unlikely to occur. In most cases where the success of a vasectomy is in question, this concern occurs within a few months of the original procedure.
4. How much does a vasectomy reversal cost? Typically, a vasectomy reversal is expected to cost around $7,650.00, but at Male Fertility & Sexual Medicine Specialists, you will be charged $7,100.00.
5. Do I need a surgeon to perform the procedure? Patients are encouraged to research the individual who will perform their vasectomy reversal. You should seek a urologist with extensive experience in microsurgical procedures such as the vasectomy reversal; i.e., they perform anywhere from 20-100 reversals a year.
6. What is the success rate for a vasectomy reversal? As with any procedure, success will depend on a few factors. Dr. Bastuba has a 98% success rate for vasectomy reversals, and has performed over 3,000 reversals as of this year.
7. How long will it take for a partner to get pregnant post-procedure? It can take up to a year for sperm to return to semen.
8. Will the procedure be painful? Discomfort during and post-reversal can be compared with the soreness experienced after the original vasectomy. This is typically treated with rest and over-the-counter pain relief medication.
9. Is there any risk to a pregnancy that occurs after a vasectomy reversal? No, there is no added risk to a pregnancy because the sperm’s morphology is not altered.
10. Are there any alternatives to a vasectomy reversal? Patients can consider using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which retrieves sperm via a minor surgical procedure. ICSI is used in combination with in vitro fertilization (IVF).