Vasectomy Reversal vs. IVF: Which is Best?

So, you’ve already had a vasectomy at some point in your life, but now circumstances have changed, and having a child (or having another child) is back on the table. Fortunately, even though vasectomies are considered to be a permanent form of contraception, they can be reversed. However, you and your partner may wonder, would IVF be the better option? IVF is kind of a vasectomy workaround, but what does it entail, and is it best for your situation?

At Male Fertility & Sexual Medicine Specialists, we want to provide our patients with the best possible options for family planning, so we’ve outlined a guide comparing vasectomy reversal with IVF treatment for your consideration below.

Vasectomy Reversal Pros

• The procedure offers high success rates with the same degree of recovery expected as your original vasectomy.
• If MFS’s Dr. Martin Bastuba performed your original vasectomy, he can also perform your vasectomy reversal.
• Preparation for the procedure is also the same as it would have been per getting a vasectomy.
• During the reversal procedure, sperm can be retrieved and safely stored for future use in the unlikely event of an unsuccessful reversal.
• The procedure is considerably less costly than IVF treatment and including recovery, likely to take far less time overall. For example, a reversal is normally around $7,100 or less depending on your surgeon.

Vasectomy Reversal Cons

• The procedure would need to occur in order for you and your partner to try for a pregnancy, so recovery would be part of this process.
• Recovery can include soreness, difficulty with movement for the initial 48 hours, and if your job includes manual labor, you would not be able to return until given the OK by your surgeon.
• Like any medical procedure, the success rate is not 100% (even though success rates for reversals with Dr. Bastuba are high), so you will be advised to consider storing retrieved sperm from the procedure in the event it is unsuccessful.

IVF Pros

• The vasectomy reversal procedure would not be needed in this situation, but sperm would still need to be retrieved either from the male partner directly or from previous storage.
• Patients can work with a fertility specialist to determine the best possible schedule for treatment.
  You have the option to store any remaining embryos created from the procedure for future use if desired.

IVF Cons

• IVF success rates can vary widely and depend on your fertility clinic of choice, the patient's age(s), existing fertility issues and/or underlying health conditions, and general egg/sperm quality/quantity.
• IVF can be expensive, often starting at $12,000 (not including the cost of medications). It can cost as much as $25,000 for one cycle, with multiple cycles adding around $5,000 - $6,000 per attempt.
• IVF can be invasive for the female partner, with procedures to retrieve eggs and implant, as well as daily injections of fertility medications.
• On average, the treatment can take at least six to eight weeks to complete, but this can vary depending on your clinic’s schedule and patient cycle timing.

Of course, ultimately, it is up to every patient to decide which route is best for their growing family. If you have any questions regarding vasectomy reversal, including scheduling a consultation, we invite you to with Dr. Bastuba’s staff today.