Questions to Ask Before Vasectomy Reversal

You thought you were done, but circumstances changed. Whether you’ve decided you want to be a dad after all, or you’ve decided you want to be a dad again, the first thing you need to do is get your vasectomy reversed. But you’ll need to be prepared. The reversal procedure isn’t as simple as the vasectomy itself, and there are some things to consider before you commit.

Our team of fertility experts here at IVFMD in Arlington, Irving, and Grapevine, Texas, assist couples in every aspect of their reproductive health, including tubal reversal for women and arranging vasectomy reversal for men. If you want to undo your vasectomy, here are a few questions you should ask ahead of the procedure.

How successful are vasectomy reversals?

In general, vasectomy reversals are successful 30-70% of the time, but many variables come into play. Your age, your partner’s age, any fertility issues with either of you, and how long it’s been since you had your vasectomy (within 10 years has the highest success rate) are all factors that affect your chances of fathering a child after your reversal procedure.

What’s found inside at the time of your surgery also influences the outcomes. For instance, if you have scar tissue causing sperm blockage, that has to be cleared away. Depending on your situation, reconnecting the vas deferens (vasovasostomy) may be all that’s needed. In some cases, the vas deferens may be connected to the epididymis instead, a procedure called a vasoepididymostomy.

Vasectomy reversal vs. IVF: Which is better?

Before embarking on a vasectomy reversal journey, we want you to be fully informed so you can make the best decision for you and your family. So, it’s important to make sure that your vasectomy is the only thing standing in your way.

We perform a complete evaluation of your overall and reproductive health to determine if you are producing strong and healthy sperm. We also evaluate your partner to identify any possible fertility issues with her. If we discover reproductive issues, or a vasectomy reversal can’t be performed for some reason, it may be best to address your family planning from another angle, like in vitro fertilization (IVF).

In the absence of fertility problems, a vasectomy reversal is preferred, since it’s less expensive and allows you multiple attempts and the potential for multiple babies.

Will my insurance cover my vasectomy reversal?

Generally speaking, insurance companies do not pay for vasectomy reversals. Of course, do check with your urologist and your insurer to find out what your specific policy covers. Because cost is typically a factor when considering elective procedures like a vasectomy reversal, you may need to plan ahead.

What can I expect during and after my vasectomy reversal?

As we mentioned, a vasectomy reversal is a bit more complicated than your original vasectomy, so plan on spending 2-4 hours in surgery.

Afterwards, you stay under your urologist’s care until the anesthesia wears off and they’re certain you’re feeling okay. Then, they send you home with detailed aftercare instructions.

It’s best to keep ice or a cold compress on the area on and off for the first few days to keep the pain and swelling down. Wearing tight underwear can also help prevent too much movement of the scrotum and help you avoid pulling at the stitches.

Refrain from sexual activity for at least two weeks after your vasectomy reversal or until your urologist clears you for activity.

How will I know if and when my vasectomy reversal is successful?

We perform semen analyses starting about two months after your vasectomy reversal procedure, and every two months after that until your sperm count stabilizes and returns to your ejaculate. In many cases, our couples get pregnant in as few as three months, but if you had a more complicated procedure or there are other factors involved, it may take as long as 18-24 months.

Where to get your vasectomy reversal

One of the most important lines of questions you should ask is about your surgeon’s qualifications. For instance, you may want to ask:

• How many vasectomy reversals have they performed?
• What’s their success rate?
• What technique do they use?
• What kind of follow-up care do they provide?

Here at IVFMD, reproductive care is all we do, and we do it very well. Patients throughout Texas trust us to help them overcome their fertility issues safely and effectively, and so can you.

To schedule a consultation with one of our specialists, contact us at any of our three locations in Arlington, Grapevine, or Irving, Texas. Reach out by phone or online to find out if you’re a good candidate for a vasectomy reversal.