When Time is Right
As soon as you are decided to undergo vasectomy reversal, act at the soonest possible time. Reversing vasectomy must be done within three years after vasectomy for a higher success rate. Otherwise, chance of getting your sexual partner pregnant slims down.
Reversing vasectomy within 3 years after vasectomy will give you a high-rate of 97% chance of getting sperm during ejaculation and at around 76% of pregnancy rate. When vasectomy reversal is done 3 to 8 years post vasectomy, pregnancy rate slims down to 53%. After 9-14 years post-vasectomy, pregnancy rate further narrows down to 44%. Moreover, vasectomy reversal after 15 years from having vasectomy will give you a very slight chance of pregnancy at a 30% rate.
Type of Vasectomy Reversal Performed
Vasectomy reversal can either be vasovasostomy or vasosepididymostomy. Although both procedures are performed to undo vasectomy, the success rates vary upon each type. Vasosvasostomy is the standard procedure used in vasectomy reversal. It shall go as simple as re-connecting both ends of vas deferens which were cut during vasectomy. The fluid from the cut ends is examined under a microscope to determine presence of sperm. When the surgeon detects no sperm, vasoepididymostomy is necessary. This is a more complex type of vasectomy reversal. If the surgeon detects no sperm in the fluid from the vas deferens, a presence of blockage is suspected. This requires an appropriate procedure in the form of a vasosepididymostomy.
Study yields that success rate of vasoepididymostomy are much lower than vasovasostomy. The former has an average pregnancy rate of 41% while the latter shows 64% chance to father a child.
Expertise of Vasectomy Reversal Doctor
The skill of your vasectomy reversal doctor is significantly important to upgrade the success rate of your operation. Scrutinize the success rate of every potential doctor to handle your operation. Do not hesitate to raise your concerns. After all, it is mainly you and your aim to regain fatherhood that is at stake. Determine the numbers of his previous operations and if possible, ask previous patients for feedback.
Choose your surgeon wisely. His expertise will determine the outcome of your operation. While you aim to father a child again by reversing vasectomy, relying on the wrong surgeon may retain your sterility forever.
Presence of Antisperm Antibodies (ASA)
ASA is very relative to male infertility. 10 percent of infertile men are diagnosed of having antisperm antibodies. ASA occurs even prior to reversing vasectomy. Moreover, statistic shows that 70% of men who have had vasectomy reversal are prone to develop ASA. Testicular problems and varicole contribute to ASA formation.
Consider Your Partner’s Fertility
As known, female fertility declines with age. As time advances, the number of eggs produced in the female reproductive organ shrinks. Part of your responsibility when planning to undergo a vasectomy reversal is to determine your partner’s fertility.
Health Check
Other than focusing merely on reversing vasectomy and getting your partner pregnant, the total health condition of your body shall also be considered. Evaluate your health by submitting yourself for a general check up. Once cleared from abnormalities in any form, then it would be the perfect time to decide for a vasectomy reversal.
These factors will determine the success of vasectomy reversal- pre, intra, and post-op.