Vasectomy Reversal Success Rate
How effective is a vasectomy reversal? That depends.
When asking ‘how effective is a vasectomy reversal’, it’s important to note that most vasectomy reversals are successful. There are several factors influencing the results of vasectomy reversal surgery. The most important predictor of whether sperm will be present after surgery are how long ago your vasectomy was and whether or not you have undergone prior sperm extraction procedures for IVF. However, the most important factor influencing the chance of pregnancy each month is your partner’s age.
How long ago was your vasectomy?
The more recent your vasectomy the better the chance of sperm following vasectomy reversal. Results are about 90% if your vasectomy was less than five years ago but encouragingly are still 70% if it was more than 15 years ago.
Vasectomy reversal success rate after 10 years
Vasectomy reversal success rate 10 years after a vasectomy remains high. Vasectomy reversals performed 10 years after a vasectomy have an 80% success rate, that is 80% chance of restoration of sperm in your ejaculate.
Vasectomy reversal success rate after 20 years
Vasectomy reversal success rate 20 years after a vasectomy is about 70% (in terms of return of sperm in your ejaculate). The most important factor in chance of pregnancy (once sperm are present) is your female partner’s age.
Type of vasectomy
There are numerous ways of performing vasectomy and generally the type of vasectomy has only a minor influence on reversibility. If however, the vasectomy site is close to the testis this can lead to damage the epididymis and make vasectomy reversal more challenging to perform – leading to the need to undertake a vaso-epididymostomy (joining vas deferens directly to epididymis). In this case the continued patency is lower as effectively a big ‘pipe’ has been joined to a small ‘pipe’. If a large portion of the vas deferens has been removed or the vasectomy was high in your groin reanastomosis is also less likely to be achieved.
IVF sperm extraction
When sperm extraction procedures have been performed to obtain sperm for IVF prior to vasectomy reversal, patency rates (the presence of sperm after vasectomy reversal) are reduced. The procedures are epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA), testicular needle aspiration (TESE) and open testicular biopsy.
When PESA procedures have previously been attempted (on both sides) post-vasectomy reversal patency rates are less than 30%.
If you had a testicular aspiration or testicular biopsy results are better. If your procedure was only on one side results are better again.
Chances Of Pregnancy After Vasectomy Reversal
Female age
Female age is the single most important factor influencing pregnancy rates following vasectomy reversal. The younger your partner the higher the chance of successful pregnancy.
Gynaecological disorders
If your partner has a history of serious gynaecological problems such as fallopian tube infection, endometriosis or damage to her ovaries this may reduce pregnancy rates following vasectomy reversal.
Preoperative Checks
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a poor predictor of successful vasectomy reversal. The American Society of Reproductive Medicine does not recommend routine ultrasound prior to vasectomy reversal.
Sperm antibodies
The American Society of Reproductive Medicine no longer recommends testing for sperm antibodies prior to vasectomy reversal as the results of the test do not reliably predict who will and who won’t have fertility restored following surgery.
Expertise and experience matter
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a poor predictor of successful vasectomy reversal. The American Society of Reproductive Medicine does not recommend routine ultrasound prior to vasectomy reversal.
Female age
Female age is the single most important factor influencing pregnancy rates and take home baby rates following vasectomy reversal. The younger your partner the higher the chance of successful pregnancy.
Gynaecological disorders
