A vasectomy reversal is a procedure that reconnects the tubes that carry sperm, giving many men the chance to restore sperm to the semen and pursue natural pregnancy. At VasWeb, vasectomy reversal procedures are performed in an office-based setting near Tampa, Florida, using microsurgical techniques.
Many patients ask, “Is a vasectomy reversible?” In many cases, yes, but vasectomy should not be considered a temporary or guaranteed reversible form of birth control. Success depends on several factors, including how long it has been since the vasectomy, the condition of the vas tubes, and fertility factors involving both partners.
When reversal is performed within the first 3 years after vasectomy, sperm may return to the semen in over 97% of cases. Even after longer intervals, reversal may still be possible, although success rates usually decline over time.
More details about the biologic response to vasectomy and various approaches to vasectomy reversal are provided in our Vasectomy Reversal 101 page.
A vasectomy reversal is a procedure that reconnects the vas deferens, the small tubes that carry sperm from the testicles into the semen. When successful, the procedure restores sperm to the ejaculate and may make natural conception possible again.
The procedure is performed using microsurgical techniques and is typically completed in a single visit. The exact surgical approach depends on what is found during the procedure, including whether healthy fluid and sperm are present in the lower end of the vas.
Quick answer: A vasectomy reversal reconnects the tubes blocked during vasectomy so sperm can return to the semen. It may allow natural pregnancy, but success is not guaranteed.
The vasectomy reversal procedure takes about 3.5 hours and is performed under local anesthesia, similar to the anesthesia used for vasectomy. An oral sedative may also be used for additional comfort.
During the procedure, the separated ends of the vas deferens are brought back together through a single 1/2-inch incision. Reconnecting these very small tubes requires magnification with either a surgical microscope or optical loupes.
A small soft drain covered with gauze is removed in the office the next day. The small incision usually seals on its own within another two to three days.
There are two main types of vasectomy reversal: vasovasostomy and vasoepididymostomy.
The decision is made during surgery based on the quality of the fluid found in the vas. Because VasWeb performs office-based reversals, the practice performs vas-to-vas connections only.
The vasectomy reversal success rate can be measured in two ways: return of sperm to the semen after reversal, and pregnancy after reversal. These are different outcomes because pregnancy also depends on female fertility factors and other variables.
The most important factor predicting sperm return is the number of years since vasectomy. In general, shorter intervals are associated with higher sperm recovery rates.
Pregnancy rates are influenced by additional factors, including female age and fertility health. For that reason, sperm recovery and pregnancy are not the same measurement. There is no guarantee of success with vasectomy reversal, but these statistics can help patients better understand their chances before moving forward.
Many patients considering vasectomy reversal want to know what the process has been like for others. The stories below share patient experiences after reversal procedures performed through VasWeb.
Individual results vary. Patient stories are shared for general information and do not guarantee the same outcome for every patient.
My name is Nicole and you performed a reversal on my husband, Robert, back in December, 2001. It took a while, but I just wanted to let you know that I recently found out that I was pregnant and my due date is January 29, 2004. Thank you so much for everything that you did for us.
This is just a message to report another success story. My husband had a reversal Feb. 2005 and we are happy to announce that we are expecting in April this year. His reversal was done just after 1 year of his vasectomy. We conceived in July, just 4 months after the reversal. We thank you for this blessing to add one more to our family. Kurt and Donna
Dr. Stein, I wanted to give you some updated information on my reversal. I had my reversal done on May 19th, 2005 and we just found out on Tuesday May 2, 2006 that my wife is pregnant. This is after having a vasectomy for almost 15 years and being 45 years old (my wife is 42). You do nice work!!! Thanks and God bless, Scott
The vasectomy reversal cost at VasWeb is $6,900, after a $100 consultation fee. This fee applies to office-based reversal procedures. Patients are often told that this cost is lower than reversal procedures performed in other settings.
There are two main reasons the fee may be lower than procedures performed elsewhere:
The reversal fee reflects the time and technical detail involved. A vasectomy reversal takes significantly longer than a vasectomy, which is why the fee is higher.
Sometimes, during the procedure, the doctor may determine that connecting the vas to the vas has a low probability of success. This can only be determined during the procedure, although the number of years since vasectomy can provide some guidance.
If the lower-end fluid on the first side is very poor and a connection is not performed, the fee for exploring that side is $475. If the second side also has very poor fluid and no connection is performed, the fee for that side is also $475. Since the patient has already paid a $950 deposit, no additional amount would be owed in that situation.
If the second side has favorable fluid and a connection is performed, the fee for that side is half of the full reversal fee, or $3,450.
*If a reversal is attempted on only one side (only 1 testis or at the patient’s request), the fee is half of the $6900 fee for both sides, plus $475, because the same amount of supplies and room preparation are needed. The deposit is the same because that is just a reservation fee that is applied toward the total fee.
A $950 deposit and signed reversal deposit agreement are due when the procedure is scheduled. If cancellation or postponement occurs more than 28 days before the reversal, $850 may be refunded or credited. Within 28 calendar days of the reversal date, the deposit is refundable only for physician-documented illness of the patient.
The remaining balance is due on the day of the procedure. VasWeb does not offer payment plans, but VISA and MasterCard are accepted.
Vasectomy reversal is often not covered by insurance because many plans consider it an elective fertility-related procedure. Coverage varies by insurance plan, so patients should check directly with their insurance provider before scheduling.
Some medical expenses related to fertility treatment may be tax deductible depending on federal tax rules and the patient’s individual situation. Patients should keep receipts for reversal-related expenses and consult a qualified tax professional for guidance.
VasWeb does NOT accept CareCredit for reversal consultations or procedures.
VasWeb’s office is about 25 minutes from Tampa International Airport. Patients traveling by air should arrive in Tampa at least one day before the procedure and are usually cleared to fly home two days after the procedure.
After a vasectomy reversal, patients traveling by air should avoid lifting suitcases or other items heavier than 20 pounds. Any hotel within about 30 minutes of the office is usually suitable for patients staying locally.
Patients who live more than 90 minutes away by car should stay in a local hotel on the night of the reversal. They may drive home after an office visit the next day.
A $950 deposit is due when scheduling the reversal. If the examination shows technical challenges that make office-based reversal inappropriate, the deposit will be returned. This has occurred only twice in more than 2,000 reversal candidates.
To request more information or begin the scheduling process, please visit the Contact Us page, answer a few questions, and submit the form. You may also call 813-536-1430 during working hours, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM ET.
Questions submitted through the Contact Us page usually receive a response within 24 hours.
Yes, a vasectomy can often be reversed, but reversal is not guaranteed to restore fertility. A vasectomy reversal reconnects the tubes that carry sperm so sperm may return to the semen. Success depends on the time since vasectomy, surgical findings, and fertility factors involving both partners.
Yes, many men can still get a vasectomy reversed after many years. However, success rates generally decline as more time passes after vasectomy. VasWeb reports sperm recovery rates of about 69% when the vasectomy was more than 14 years earlier.
Vasectomy reversal success rate depends mainly on the number of years since vasectomy. Sperm recovery rates may be over 97% within 3 years, about 91% from 3 to 8 years, about 82% from 9 to 14 years, and about 69% after more than 14 years.
At VasWeb, vasectomy reversal costs $6,900 after a $100 consultation fee. A $950 deposit is due when the procedure is scheduled, and the remaining balance is due on the day of the procedure.
Insurance coverage for vasectomy reversal varies by plan, but many insurance plans do not cover it because it is often considered an elective fertility-related procedure. Patients should contact their insurance provider directly to confirm coverage.
When choosing a vasectomy reversal doctor, look for experience with reversal procedures, transparent success-rate information, clear cost details, patient education, and a setting that matches your needs. Patients should also review whether the doctor performs microsurgical reversal techniques.
VasWeb performs office-based vasectomy reversal procedures near Tampa, Florida. The office is about 25 minutes from Tampa International Airport, which may be convenient for both Florida patients and out-of-town patients traveling for care.