Vasovasostomy (Vasectomy Reversal) Common Questions

  • What is a vasovasostomy?

    A vasovasostomy or vasectomy reversal is an elective surgical procedure designed to restore fertility and the ability to have children after a vasectomy.

  • Who is a good candidate for a vasovasotomy?

    Any male, who has had a vasectomy in the prior 15 years or less, and wishes to restore his ability to have children, may consider a vasovasotomy as an option for having more children.

  • What can I expect with this surgery?

    Vasectomy reversal or vasovasotomy is performed under a general anesthetic.  The surgical time is usually two to three hours in length, but is performed as an outpatient day surgery procedure.  You can expect some swelling at the surgical site as well as discomfort in the scrotum.  However, this usually is not severely limiting and most people can return to day-to-day activities such as desk type work within three to five days after a vasectomy reversal.  People who perform heavy lifting or straining at work, may require up to a week and a half of recovery, before they would be allowed to return to full activity. 

  • How successful is a vasovasotomy?

    The ability to reconnect the vas deferens which are tiny tubes roughly the diameter of a pencil lead is slightly better than 90%.  However, fertility is directly dependent on the time that the vasectomy was performed until the reversal is performed. Most individuals, who have had a vasectomy reversal within ten years of their vasectomy, may have a good pregnancy rate, roughly in the 70% range.

  • Will insurance cover my vasectomy reversal?

    Most insurance carriers do not cover a vasectomy reversal, as it is considered an elective procedure.

  • Are there long-term health risks associated with vasectomy reversal?

    At this point, there are no reported long-term health risks such as increased risk of heart disease or cancer reported with vasectomy reversals.