Expand Your Knowledge with These Vasectomy Reversal FAQs

A vasectomy reversal is a specialized surgery in which the previously cut vas deferens (i.e., the tubes that carry sperm) are reconnected.

During your procedure, your microsurgeon will reattach the vas deferens via one of two microsurgical techniques: 

1. Vasovasostomy – This technique sews together the severed ends of each vas deferens tube. 
2. Vasoepididymostomy – This technique directly attaches the vas deferens to the epididymis (a small organ at the back of each testicle that holds sperm). 

In general, the right technique cannot be determined ahead of time. The decision is usually made during the operation, and in some cases, both surgical techniques may be applied. 

Vasectomy reversals are most often done by specialized reproductive urologists who have training in microsurgical techniques. While many urologists can perform the procedure, it’s best to go with a fellowship-trained and highly experienced microsurgeon, as they are the most knowledgeable on the subject and have extensive training.  

Yes! When performed by qualified and fellowship-trained reproductive urologists with multiple years of experience, vasectomy reversal procedures tend to have very high success rates. In fact, 99% of vasectomies reversed less than 3 years after a vasectomy will result in the return of sperm to the ejaculate. 

Keep in mind that a procedure’s success is dependent on multiple factors like age, time elapsed since the vasectomy, pre-existing fertility issues, and the skill and experience of the operating microsurgeon.

In most cases, a vasectomy reversal takes approximately 1.5-3 hours. 

If you find any providers offering to do the procedure in less time, it’s best to look elsewhere for a specialist who takes the time to ensure each step of your procedure is completed correctly. 

With general anesthesia, you won’t be awake during the procedure so won’t experience any pain. Your provider will use a local numbing medicine as well to reduce pain afterwards. 

Once the medications wear off, you may experience some light soreness in your scrotum or testicles. You’ll be sent home with mild oral pain medications to alleviate the discomfort during your recovery. Ice packs can also greatly assist with those pain symptoms. Just remember to avoid strenuous activities during your recovery. 

Most pain symptoms dissipate within a few days after your procedure, but if any persist, contact your reproductive urologist at Posterity Health. 

Most patients do not encounter any major complications during a vasectomy reversal procedure. That said, some individuals may experience the following rare symptoms after your procedure: 

• Swelling and bruising 
• Bleeding 
• Infections 

If these complications arise, our male fertility specialists can address them. 

The vasectomy reversal process can vary from one male fertility clinic/provider to the next. At Posterity Health, we follow 4 steps for every procedure to ensure a high success rate: 

1. Reversal consultation – You’ll meet with one of our male fertility specialists to discuss your needs and confirm the proper procedure. 
2. Surgery under general anesthesia – We’re flexible on scheduling and we’ll book your surgery with a skilled microsurgeon. 
3. Recovery – You’ll spend a few days on the couch healing and our team of specialists will be ready to answer any questions virtually. 
4. Post-op follow-up – To confirm the surgery’s success, we’ll send a post-op semen analysis to your door. 

In most cases, you will need to abstain from ejaculation for roughly 2 weeks following a vasectomy reversal procedure. After you’ve recovered, multiple ejaculations are needed to ensure good flow through the newly connected tubes. On average, it takes most couples without additional factors at least 3 months to successfully get pregnant after the surgery. 

At Posterity Health, we always conduct a post-operative semen analysis roughly 6 weeks after the procedure to ensure its success. The results of your semen analysis will help us better predict your chances of pregnancy. From there, we will assess your progress every 6-12 weeks until a pregnancy is achieved. 

• Make transportation plans – Due to the general anesthesia, you won’t be unable to drive a car for at least 48 hours. Be sure to coordinate with a friend or family member ahead of time. 
• Avoid food and drink for at least 12 hours – This is for your safety during the procedure. 
• Stop taking any medications at least 10 days in advance – Certain medications can increase your risk of bleeding during and after the procedure. 
• Speak with your microsurgeon – They can share additional tips and advice to prepare for your procedure. 

Yes, it is possible to undergo another vasectomy after a reversal procedure, if needed. There is little-to-no risk associated with this second procedure, but you should tell your urologist that you have had a reversal so that there are no surprises during the procedure. 

In most cases, the quality and quantity of sperm generally return to the same levels as before the vasectomy. There is no evidence that suggests a vasectomy reversal can contribute to worse sperm quality or other complications when attempting to conceive. 

Unfortunately, most health insurance policies do not cover vasectomy reversals, which means you’ll likely need to pay out of pocket for the procedure. 

However, you can secure flexible financing solutions at some male fertility clinics to make the procedure much more affordable. For instance, Posterity Health has partnered with Care Credit to provide flexible financing for male fertility treatments, which merges all your treatment costs into one monthly payment that is easy to manage and understand. 

Learn more about the costs of vasectomy reversals today. 

If your male fertility specialist determines that a vasectomy reversal is not the ideal solution for you, they may recommend in-vitro fertilization (IVF) as an alternative. To gather your sperm to fertilize the egg during the IVF procedure, they’ll surgically extract sperm samples from you via procedures like testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) or percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA).