Conceiving After Vasectomy Reversal

Conceiving After Vasectomy Reversal

A vasectomy is considered a permanent male form of birth control. Even so, there may come a time when a man wants to reverse his vasectomy so he can have another (or a first) child. This is especially true today when many young men are getting vasectomies prior to having any children at all, a practice that has received a lot of negative publicity over recent years. Conceiving after vasectomy reversal can be tricky, but it certainly can be done.

According to American Association of Urology, one of the key factors in conception after a vasectomy reversal has to do with the amount of time that has passed since the vasectomy was performed. Over long periods of time, blockages and scar tissue can develop as well as the development of anti-bodies that makes men allergic to their own sperm, which can make conception after a reversal downright difficult or impossible. The key window for opportunity is less than 10 years after the initial procedure.

It is also important to note that a reversal is much more surgery difficult than the initial vasectomy. In fact it is most often done under anesthesia and can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours to perform. Even with the surgery, few doctors will guarantee fertility afterwards. Overall the fertility rate after a vasectomy reversal is around 50%, meaning that half of the men are able to conceive after the reversal procedure. After 10 years, this number drops to around 30%.  Sometimes the reasons for infertility have nothing to do with the vasectomy, and are instead related to an underlying fertility problem that the man unknowingly had prior to his vasectomy.

Before the man in your life gets a reversal, it is advised that he get tested to make sure that he does not have a build-up of sperm anti-bodies. If sperm antibodies exist, a vasectomy reversal has a very slim chance of a man gaining his fertility back. In this case, looking to other forms of fertility treatments may be advised.

Additionally, as with any form of surgery – there are risks associated with a vasectomy reversal that can lead to permanent damage. If you and your partner are considering a vasectomy reversal, it is in your best interest to do your research and formulate your plan of action based on the advice of more than one doctor.

Do you know anyone who (or have you) has had success conceiving after a vasectomy reversal?

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2013. All rights reserved.