A vasectomy reversal is usually performed as an outpatient surgery, so your hospital stay will be relatively short. Most procedures take only three to four hours with the use of a less invasive operating microscope. This type of surgery may be done under local, regional, or general anesthesia. Most patients who have undergone a vasectomy reversal recover within anywhere from five to fourteen days. For the first four weeks of your recovery we recommend that you avoid sexual intercourse as well as heavy lifting.
The cost for a vasectomy reversal surgery can range anywhere from $2,000 to $12,000 depending on where in the country you live and the type of practice that is performing the surgery.
A reverse vasectomy surgery is covered by many insurance carriers. Two major factors in determining your coverage are your individual insurance policy and where the surgery is being performed.
As with any type of surgery, a vasectomy reversal may be more suitable for certain patients depending on their particular circumstances. There is typically no need to wait a specific period of time after a vasectomy to have it reversed. A better medical choice for the couple may be available, however, if the woman will also require a tubal ligation reversal in conjunction with the man's vasectomy reversal.
The success rate is determined by multiple factors. The patency rate, which is the return of sperm, can often be as high as 95 percent. Pregnancy rates may also vary, usually anywhere within the 30 to 70 percent range of success.
Usually there are minimal side effects which may include pain, swelling, or bruising. Your urinary function and potency should not be affected by the procedure.
Within the last few years there have been a claims that men who have had a vasectomy reversal run a higher risk of getting cancer than men who have not. Since then, these claims have been disproven for the most part, and there is no evidence showing that a vasectomy reversal would increase an individual's cancer risk.
Yes, repeat vasectomy reversals are possible and there is currently no limit on the number of times one individual may undergo the procedure. It is possible, however, that the reversal's success rate may increase with each addition surgery. Repeat procedures may increase the possibility of scar tissue in the scrotum, and making future procedures more difficult. However, repeat procedures can often have an equally high success rate as the initial vasectoy reversal.
Scarring is possible anytime after a reverse vasectomy surgery, even after your recovery period is over. However, scarring most likely occurs in the first six months after surgery.
The option of sperm banking is a consideration for many who may be concerned about the possibility of potential future scarring.