A Vasectomy is a surgical procedure in which the Vas Deferens, tubes that carry sperm, are cut in order to interrupt the travel of sperm thereby causing male sterilization. This procedure is intended to be permanent and approximately 600,000 men undergo a vasectomy yearly in the U.S. as a method of birth control.
Every year around 50,000 men in this country will have a vasectomy reversal in hopes of once again being able to father a child. The most common reason for this decision is remarriage and the desire of the new couple to have children and a family of their own.
Vasectomy Reversal has become significantly more common and more successful in the past decade due mostly to advances in microscopic surgery. During the procedure of Vasectomy Reversal the cut ends of the Vas Deferens( a tube with an inner channel measuring about 1/3 of a millimeter)must be properly aligned and stitched back together in order to allow sperm to once again travel through it. The success rate of Vasectomy Reversal varies from roughly 71%-97% and depends on the skill of the surgeon performing the surgery, the condition of the Vas Deferens, and the amount of time that has passed since the original Vasectomy. The more time that has passed, the lower the success rate.
Another important statistic to consider when analyzing success rates of Vasectomy Reversal surgery is the pregnancy success rates of those men who have had the procedure. The chance of pregnancy post Vasectomy Reversal ranges from 30%-76% with time since vasectomy again being a prime determining factor.
Cost of Vasectomy Reversal ranges from $5,000-$13,000 and is not usually covered by health insurance. Many couples every year, hopeful about their chances at pregnancy, pay the cost of the surgery out of their pockets. Payment plans are often available.
Since success of Vasectomy Reversal is highly dependant on the skill of the surgeon, it is important for couples to research those available in their area and find one they have confidence in with an impressive success rate.
