What is a Vasectomy?

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When looking at your birth control options with your partner, and you are confident you no longer plan a future pregnancy, vasectomy is an excellent option. It is a minimally-invasive procedure where local anesthesia is used on the scrotum, and the vas deferens (the tubes that convey the sperm from the testicles to the place where they await ejaculation) are divided and tied using surgical techniques. It is typically a 30-40 minute procedure, and there are no postoperative ill effects or discomfort; of note, the sperm already in the place awaiting ejaculation can still result in pregnancy, so additional contraception is required for 3-4 months, and absence of active sperm must be demonstrated with a semen analysis. 

Can a Vasectomy Be Reversed? 

Vasectomy should be considered only if you are confident you no longer plan a future pregnancy. When it comes to vasectomy reversal, it’s not a question of whether it can be done, but rather how effective it will be. There are a lot of factors that can affect the rate of success when it comes to vasectomy reversal, including how long ago the initial vasectomy was performed. Success can also be affected by both partners’ fertility and the health of the male partner’s sperm. The rate of success from vasectomy reversal can range from as low as 30% to over 90% depending on these factors. 

What is a Vasectomy Reversal? 

During a vasectomy reversal, the vas deferens are reconnected so that sperm can again be conveyed to the place where they await ejaculation. A vasectomy reversal normally takes longer than the original vasectomy and requires micro-surgical techniques to ensure a good outcome. 

How Effective is a Vasectomy Reversal? 

When it comes to vasectomy reversal, it’s not a question of whether it can be done, but rather how effective it will be. There are a lot of factors that can affect the rate of success when it comes to vasectomy reversal, including how long ago the initial vasectomy was performed. Success can also be affected by both partners’ fertility and the health of the male partner’s sperm. The rate of success from vasectomy reversal can range from as low as 30% to over 90% depending on these factors. 

Why Timing Matters 

The effectiveness of vasectomy reversal can decline over time as the body begins to adapt to the surgical changes performed during the initial vasectomy. For this reason, you’ll find different rates of effectiveness at intervals like five years, ten years, or fifteen years. There can be a lot of different rates of success based on the source, but it’s generally agreed that your odds of a successful reversal that leads to pregnancy will decline the longer you wait to have it reversed. 

Is a Vasectomy Right for Me? 

If you’re considering a vasectomy, it’s worth considering the odds of opting for a reversal later on. If you think you may change your mind down the road about getting pregnant, you and your partner can look at less permanent options. That way, you can avoid the cost of a reversal procedure as well as the chance of a low success rate. Your gynecologist can discuss your best options for family planning during an appointment. 

Schedule an Appointment 

At Carnegie Women’s Health, we’re passionate about helping you find the best way to manage your reproductive health. To meet with our award-winning team and learn more about your options, we invite you to contact our New York City office by calling or filling out our online form

Carnegie Women's Health

Carnegie Women's Health

At Carnegie Women’s Health, we’re more than just a gynecological practice. We’re partnered with some of the most experienced and award-winning obstetricians and maternal fetal medicine specialists in the field of women’s health.

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