VASECTOMY REVERSAL

Vasectomy is a surgical procedure in which the vasa deferentia of a male mammal are cut for the purpose of sterilization.

There are some variations on the procedure such as no-scalpel (keyhole) vasectomies, in which a surgical hook, rather than a scalpel, is used to enter the scrotum.

Although men considering vasectomies should not think of them as reversible, and most men and their spouses are satisfied with the operation, there is a procedure to reverse vasectomies.

Vasectomy Reversal

Vasovasostomy is effective at achieving pregnancy in only 50%-70% of cases, and it is very costly, with total out-of-pocket costs in the United States ranging from $7,000 to more than $35,000. The rate of pregnancy depends on such factors as the method used for the vasectomy and the length of time that has passed since the vasectomy was performed. Tubal Surgery News

The vasectomy reversal procedures are frequently impermanent, with occlusion of the vas recurring two or more years after the operation. Sperm counts are rarely at pre-vasectomy levels. There is evidence that men who have had a vasectomy may produce more abnormal sperm, which would explain why even a mechanically successful reversal does not always restore fertility. The higher rates of aneuploidy and diploidy in the sperms of men who have undergone vasectomy reversal may lead to a higher rate of birth defects.

In order to allow a possibility of reproduction (via artificial insemination) after vasectomy, some men opt for cryostorage of sperm before sterilization. Various reversible male contraceptives are in research and development, but none are available. Many of these involve the implantation of micro-valves. Child Models