Vasectomy Reversal Success Rates
Our definition of a successful vasectomy reversal is sperm returning to the ejaculate.
Factors that can influence this outcome include the time since your vasectomy, the technique of the vasectomy and any complications that may have occurred after your vasectomy.
Your choice of surgeon is also crucial to the success of your surgery.
Dr Barretts surgical success rates range from 94% if the reversal is performed within 10 years of the vasectomy, to 75% if it has been more than 20 years since the vasectomy.
Natural pregnancy rates that follow a vaso-vasostomy are usually over 50-70%. These rates can decrease if a long time has passed since your vasectomy or if there are other problems with your testicular health or the fertility of your partner.
There are some key factors that contribute to surgical success, and a smooth patient experience which you need to consider in choosing your vasectomy reversal surgeon.
What Factors Influence Success?
There can be many different factors which influence the results of your vasectomy reversal surgery. The most important factors in determining success are
– The length of time after your vasectomy
– The type of vasectomy that you’ve had
– Whether you have undergone sperm extraction for IVF or any other surgery to the prostate or groin.
The most important factor that influences whether your partner falls pregnant is her age.
When did you have your vasectomy?
If your vasectomy was recent (less than 3 years ago), you have a much greater chance of sperm following vasectomy reversal. Results are greater than 90% if your vasectomy surgery was performed less than 3 years ago.
What type of vasectomy did you have?
Vasectomies can be performed in many different ways and most often the type of vasectomy only has a small influence on the success of reversal surgery.
When the vasectomy site is close to the testicle however, the epididymis can be damaged either directly or through high back pressure over time. This can make vasectomy reversal surgery more difficult.
If a significant portion of the vas deferens had been removed, damaged with cautery or the vasectomy was high in your groin, the ends can be more difficult to bring together.
Sperm extraction for IVF or other surgeries
If sperm extraction has already been performed in order to obtain sperm for IVF prior to a vasectomy reversal surgery, there is a reduction in the presence of sperm after vasectomy reversal. These sperm extraction procedures include testicular needle aspiration, open testicular biopsy and epididymal sperm aspiration.
Other surgeries such as orchidopexy, epididymal cyst removal or hydrocele repair can damage the delicate epididymal tubules. Hernia repairs may cause a second blockage of the vas high in the groin above your vasectomy site.
When these procedures have been previously attempted, the presence of sperm can drop dramatically as there may be a blockage in the epididymus or vas.
Sub-specialty Knowledge
Patients should be seen by a surgeon with genuine interest and training in their condition. This may mean that a significant portion of their day to day practice is devoted to male infertility microsurgery and that they have undergone sub-specialty training.
Advanced Techniques
1) Use of a microsurgical/robotic assisted platform
2) Microscopic analysis of vas fluid to confirm the presence of sperm prior to reconstruction
2) Three layer microdot guided reconstruction
3) Ability to perform an epididymus to vas reconstruction (vaso-epididymostomy) if needed during the procedure
Microsurgical precision
With over 100 microsurgical procedures over the last 3 years, Dr Barrett is uniquely equipped in Western Australia to tackle complex scrotal microsurgery. Dr Barrett will perform your whole procedure from start to finish.
A Mens Health Specialist
As a urological surgeon, Dr Barrett is familiar with a broad range of male health conditions and surgical procedures.
A urological surgeon is equipped to deal with any unexpected findings and can guide you through the entirity of the surgical process.
A urological surgeon is a mens health surgeon and not a gynaecologist - the qualification of 'CREI' is a subspecialty within gynaecology and does not apply to urologists.
Local Care
Dr Barrett is based in Perth and will see you before, during and after your surgery.
Continuous Cover
As part of Perth Urology Clinic, Perth Vasectomy Reversal is always available! If your primary surgeon is away there will be internal cover, as well as access to three nurses and 24 hour emergency access for your GP.