Many people know the satisfying feeling of closure after one’s family is complete. Often, people remark that they “just knew” they were ready to close the door on their childbearing years after their last child was born. The majority of people never need to reopen that door again. However, life is unpredictable and unplanned events, such as divorce and remarriage, can alter the most carefully laid plans. Men who have undergone a vasectomy may find themselves considering the once unthinkable–a vasectomy reversal.
Chances of a Successful Pregnancy After a Vasectomy Reversal
While vasectomies are considered a permanent form of birth control, vasectomy reversals are a viable option for many men. While no doctor can guarantee that the procedure will be successful, some men are pleasantly surprised at the statistics regarding men who have fathered children after a vasectomy reversal. About 76 percent of men who have their vasectomy reversed are able to father children if the procedure is performed within three years of a vasectomy. Even men who undergo a reversal over 15 years after a vasectomy have about a 30 percent chance of fathering a child.
Factors that Increase Your Chances of Success
The length of time that has elapsed since your vasectomy was performed is one of the most significant factors governing whether a reversal will be successful. The sooner you get a reversal done after a vasectomy, the better your odds. Another factor is whether the epididymis has become blocked from the vasectomy, which is more likely if the surgeon performed the vasectomy close to the testicle.
Vasectomy Reversal vs. IVF
Some men may assume that IVF is the best option for fathering a child after a vasectomy. However, this is not always the case. IVF, like vasectomy reversals, are usually not covered by insurance. However, IVF typically costs several thousand dollars per attempt, with less a 45 percent chance of success even under the best of circumstances. Vasectomy reversals provide a higher rate of success for good candidates. Further, vasectomy reversals are much more cost effective in the long run if the couple wishes to have more than one child. Thus, many men choose to attempt vasectomy reversal first before resorting to IVF.
Don’t Delay When Considering a Vasectomy Reversal
It typically takes at least 12 months on average for men to conceive with their partners after a vasectomy reversal. The highest chances of success occur about 24 months after a procedure. Thus, a vasectomy reversal is not something you should delay indefinitely. Even if you are not entirely sure a vasectomy reversal is right for you, it is still wise to speak to a urologist to determine whether you are a good candidate for planning purposes. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
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