Alternatives to Vasectomy Reversal

By Inder Walia

Vasectomy Reversal is nothing short of a miracle to those who have experienced the deep joy of parenthood! Sadly it may not work for everybody. Almost 10% of men, who undergo vasectomy, change their mind at a later stage in life and look for means to either revert the process or be able to father children through medical intervention or assistance.

Vasectomy reversal is the first choice of several couples who want the most natural method to bring their child into the world. Out of these 14% vasovasostomies and 40% of vasoepididymostomies fail, as no sperm is detected in the ejaculate even after six months of undergoing vasectomy reversal. It is discouraging, no doubt. However, don’t be quick to despair and obliterate your last ray of hope, for there exist alternatives to vasectomy reversal that may yet fill your life with eternal sunshine!

Sperm Banking- Sperm banking is a great alternative to vasectomy reversal, should a couple decide to have more children after vasectomy. There are services across America that may be used for sperm storage or your vasectomy reversal doctor may offer the option of retrieving and saving sperm for future use. This perm may be used to pursue IN-vitro Fertilization at a later stage in life. Sperm banking may cost $500 at the onset and $250 for storage every year.

Therapeutic Donor Insemination- This method allows a couple to choose an outside sperm donor to conceive a child. This procedure is easy and quite successful. Once the sperm is chosen, artificial insemination is conducted, in which the sperm is placed into the partner’s cervix or uterus during ovulation. The success rate of artificial insemination is 25%.

In-vitro fertilization- In-vitro fertilization or "Microsurgical epydidimal sperm aspiration," (MESA), is an excellent alternative to vasectomy reversal. Due to higher costs and risks, it is always considered as the second best option after vasectomy reversal.

The procedure involves a complicated surgery of the scrotum to retrieve sperm from the epididymis or the testicles. This surgery may be performed a single time on both sides because the development of scar tissue may prove subsequent surgeries impossible to perform. The sperm aspirated is injected into a partner's eggs, which are retrieved from the ovary through a laparoscope, to be returned to the uterus after external fertilization on a culture dish. In spite of the complicated procedure of injections, ultrasounds and intervention; pregnancy rates are very low with routine IVF. One cycle of IVF may cost anywhere from $8000 to $15,000. The total cost of achieving pregnancy may reach $75,000.

Intracytomplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) - ICSI may be referred to as an advanced form of IVF. Here, a single sperm is directly injected into an egg that has been retrieved from the partner’s ovary through a laparoscope. After incubation on a laboratory dish, the resulting embryo is returned to the uterus.

It is a good idea to investigate all options right at the time of undergoing vasectomy. Also keep in mind that almost all alternatives to vasectomy reversal are complicated and expensive. However, they are alternatives never the less and you may want to explore them before signing up for a vasectomy reversal

Microsurgical Vasectomy Reversal

By Dr. Mark Clayson

Are you thinking of microsurgical vasectomy reversal in order to have more children? Have you had a vasectomy and wish to father children once more? Then do not worry - there is a procedure that can help to successfully reverse the operation of vasectomy. Microsurgical vasectomy reversal is an operation whereby the tubes are rejoined in order for sperm to be able to flow once again and allow fatherhood to be contemplated. Without it, a vasectomy is a permanent way of avoiding fathering children.

The chances of success will be greater if a surgeon is chosen that is well versed in the microsurgical vasectomy reversal procedure and who has had a lot of experience behind him. Ask about his experience and even ask for recommendations or references from happy clients of his.

How is Vasectomy Reversal Performed?


The patient would have a general anesthetic. Then a small incision is made in the skin of the scrotum near to or over the previous scars. The surgeon locates the cut ends of the vas deferens (sperm tubes) and frees them up - there will be scar tissue from the previous operation.

The surgeon decides, by using microscopy, if sperm are still being produced. It also helps to determine what sort of sperm are being produced or whether there has been a rupture or "blow out" in that area. This latter scenario is a poor sign.

The two ends of the vas (sperm tube) need to be fastened back together to make a whole tube. It is vital that there are no leaks or else the operation can fail. This is done using a highly powered microscope which gives the surgeon a clear and magnified view of the area. The sutures (stitches) used to unite the tubes are thinner than a human hair!

If there is a "blow out" in the vas then a different technique has to be used. The blow out will cause a blockage just as in a frozen pipe. The blockage must be bypassed. This microsurgical vasectomy reversal technique is called a vasoepididymostomy. It is more difficult and requires extra skill so make sure your surgeon is capable of performing it. Ask to see evidence or proof that he is successful in performing this tricky operation.

There are variations in the surgical procedure - vasoepididymostomy and vasovasostomy. Find out if there any comparison of success rates between clinics you visit , who does which procedure and what is their success, - the patient must ask.

Reversal of a vasectomy is now quite a common request. It is a tricky procedure that should be performed only by a highly trained surgeon, but the success rate is very good. Using microsurgical vasectomy reversal techniques has helped this success rate enormously.

Find out more about Microsurgical vasectomy reversal.

Vasectomy Reversal Surgeons

A reversal is a meticulous microsurgical procedure that normally takes several hours. Vasectomy reversal techniques usually require a powerful surgical microscope. Precision and accuracy are crucial to vasectomy reversal success rates.

Vasectomy reversal surgeons use delicate suture material that is finer than the thickness of a human hair to stitch through multiple, microscopic layers of tissue. The effective reconnection of the vas tubes requires many tiny sutures. Consequently, an experienced board-certified vasectomy reversal doctor or a fertility specialist usually performs the surgery.

What’s more, an experienced vasectomy reversal doctor, will know what to look for and can quickly recognize which reversal procedures are indicated during a second attempt reversal.

Are You a Good Candidate for "Redo" Surgery?

Likely candidates for vasectomy reversal "redo" surgery are patients who are generally in good health and who evidenced healthy sperm in the seminal fluid somewhere in the vas or epididymis during their first reversal surgery.

If healthy sperm exists, failure of the initial reversal may have been the result of other factors. Consequently, these candidates should ask their vasectomy reversal doctor about redoing the reversal surgery.

However, some men may not be good candidates for a second attempt or "redo" surgery. If there is excessive scarring and damage from the first procedure, vasectomy reversal surgeons may not consider a second attempt to be worth trying. When an initial reversal has left the vas deferens too short, reconnection, even when using the most advanced vasectomy reversal techniques is more difficult. A re-do operation may not be a good option in this case and patients should take time to understand vasectomy reversal alternatives.

Discuss the Options with Your Vasectomy Reversal Doctor

Everyone’s health and circumstances are unique and you should discuss the details of your case with a qualified and experienced surgeon.

Positive vasectomy reversal success rates are possible with a second attempt.

Vasectomy reversals - A Look at Second Attempt

If you have experienced the frustration and disappointment of an unsuccessful reversal procedure, you may want to ask a vasectomy reversal doctor if another attempt is worthwhile.

Generally, vasectomy reversal success rates for a second reversal are slightly lower than for first-time procedures. This is usually because the vas has been obstructed longer and scarring increases each time surgery is performed.

The good news is that an unsuccessful first reversal attempt can sometimes be successful the second time around. The following information can help you understand the reasons why the first reversal was unsuccessful and some factors to consider if you are thinking about a second attempt reversal.

When the First Attempt Fails

Vasectomy reversal success rates are influenced by several things. Factors that include success are:

Second Attempt Vasectomy Reversal Techniques

Generally, if your vasectomy reversal doctor finds the vas deferens have little damage caused by the original vasectomy reversal surgery, the chances of a successful second attempt reversal are greater.

Once the condition of the vas deferens has been determined, the surgeon must choose which of the vasectomy reversal techniques to proceed with.

When the vas deferens appears healthy and the first attempt didn’t produce a lot of scar tissue a vasovasostomy is usually performed. However, if injury to the vas deferens is more extensive, or if scarring or blockage of the epididymis is suspected or detected, vasectomy reversal techniques become more complicated and lengthy. In such cases, vasectomy reversal surgeons may opt for vasoepididymostomy for the second reversal.

This procedure attempts to bypass the obstructed or damaged portion of the vas in order to successfully reconnect the tiny tubes at a higher point near the epididymis. Vasoepididymostomy can result in a successful outcome. It’s important to note that men, who needed a vasoepididymostomy as the first reversal procedure, will not be the best candidates for a second attempt reversal.