There are two surgical techniques used to perform vasectomy reversals. In most cases, the surgeon makes the decision which procedure is most appropriate during the operation, and you may need a combination of both techniques.

Vasovasostomy (pronounced vas-o-vay-ZOS-tuh-me)

With this procedure, the surgeon sews the ends of the tube that were cut during the vasectomy (vas deferens) back together. However, this may not reestablish the sperm flow.

Vasoepididymostomy (pronounced vas-o-ep-ih-did-ih-MOS-tuh-me)

This surgery attaches the tube that carries sperm from each testicle to your semen (vas deferens) directly to the epididymis (the coiled tube on the back of each testicle where sperm matures). This surgery is used when sperm flow is blocked and a vasovasostomy won't work.

Vasectomy Reversal Success Rate

The success rate of vasectomy reversal can be defined in two ways. The chance of return of sperm after a vasectomy reversal depends on a lot of factors including:

• The interval since vasectomy
• Experience and skill of the surgeon
• Patient’s adherence to post surgical instructions
• Other factors

In general, about 85-95% of men who undergo a vasectomy reversal have return of sperm after the procedure. The chance of spontaneous pregnancy, however, is lower. This depends on the quality of sperm, the fertility potential of the female partner, and other factors such as patient’s age, health, and environmental exposures.

Vacectomy reversal can be expensive, is usually not covered by insurance and requires several hours of micro-surgery. A vasectomy should be considered permanent sterilization.

>>Next: Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Vasectomy Reversal