What is the success rate for a vasectomy reversal?
The success of a vasectomy reversal is directly dependent upon the type of reconnection required at the time of procedure, and the expertise of the micro surgeon. The type of reconnection that will be used cannot be determined until the time of the procedure.
Vasovasostomy (vv)
Typically, when a standard straight forward vasectomy reversal, also known as a vasovasostomy, can be performed on both sides, sperm restoration occurs in 98% of our cases. This vasectomy reversal success rate is the same no matter how long it’s been since the original vasectomy. Additionally, the corresponding pregnancy rate, with this type of procedure, is at least 65% depending on wife’s age and fertility. (Please note that of all couples trying to conceive, 85% will achieve a natural conception at the end of one year).
Epididymovasostomy (ev)
When a bypass to the epididymis (EV) is required as a result of a secondary blockage or “epididymis blow-out,” we have maintained an 85% return of sperm, with a parallel 50% pregnancy success rate (higher for younger and more fertile partners).
Surprisingly, almost one third of the procedures we perform are complicated redo cases of previously failed vasectomy reversals from other surgeons. In these cases, our overall statistics are 89% for return of sperm and 55% pregnancy rate, with an average of 11.5 years from time of vasectomy to time of reversal.
Vasectomy reversal success rates – contributing factors impacting success
Time
The amount of time since your vasectomy
Age and Low T
Men will produce sperm their entire lives. Unless the man has experienced loss of testis size and firmness, age is not a factor. However, treatment with testosterone can reduce sperm production to zero, and this must be immediately corrected by your doctor if you are treated for Low T.
Sperm Health
Measured through a semen analysis. The analysis will provide sperm activity, shape, energy levels and density per milliliter of semen. However, treatment with testosterone can reduce sperm production to zero.
How to determine whether your vasectomy reversal was successful? This begins with periodic semen analysis. This measurement is simple and must be immediately corrected if your are treated for Low T. For the majority of couples, achievement of pregnancy will take about a year, yet others may take from a few months to several years to conceive. The time from the vasectomy reversal to conception is dependent upon the couple, however, if you have been trying more than 2 years, then other conception alternatives might need to be discussed, such as artificial insemination or IVF.
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