Many people trust Houston-based urologist and men's health specialist Dr. Larry Lipshultz because of his careful attention to the needs of his patients. He answers all questions and take all kinds of unique patient concerns into consideration. This belief in strong patient education is important to the entire team, especially if men are considering a vasectomy reversal.
We provide detailed information about the vasectomy reversal procedure, success rates, and recovery process because our patient should understand what they're getting into before making any important health decision. That's why we're looking at a few of the major pros and cons of vasectomy reversal in this blog post.
About Vasectomy Reversal
Vasectomy reversal is a procedure that undoes a vasectomy and restores a man's ability to father children naturally. The surgery is most effective when performed as soon after the initial vasectomy as possible and yields excellent results in the majority of cases.
The Pros of Vasectomy Reversal
The most notable advantages of vasectomy reversal surgery are as follows:
- Effective If Performed Soon After a Vasectomy - Vasectomy reversal is most effective if it is performed within three years of the initial vasectomy. It can be performed on anyone who's had a vasectomy, though obviously the sooner it's done, the better the results are likely to be.
- A Permanent Solution to Restoring Male Fertility - Vasectomy reversal eliminates the need for sperm extraction and/or in vitro fertilization (IVF), allowing men to conceive naturally without additional medical treatments or assistance.
- Manageable Pain and Discomfort from Surgery - While the recovery from vasectomy reversal can take a few weeks, the pain is relatively manageable as long as patient follow recovery instruction as provided to them by their surgeon.
The Cons of Vasectomy Reversal
The most notable disadvantages of vasectomy reversal surgery are as follows:
- Effectiveness Decreases If Not Performed Soon Enough - If a vasectomy was performed more than 10 years ago, the likelihood of successful vasectomy reversal goes down a fair amount.
- The Procedure May Be Cost Prohibitive for Some Patients - Vasectomy reversal can place a financial burden on an individual or household. It is not covered by health insurance either. Because of this, vasectomy reversal may be out of reach for some.
- Ineffective Reversal Could Mean Additional Cost - If the vasectomy reversal is ineffective, a second attempt at reversal surgery can be made, but at additional cost and with added recovery time as well.
Alternatives to Vasectomy Reversal
If vasectomy reversal surgery is not ideal for you due to medical or financial reasons, there are alternatives to consider. Generally these alternatives include sperm extraction techniques combined with IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). If that is not an option, turning to sperm donors through a reproductive health center or considering adoption are also viable alternatives.
Making the Best Decision for You and Your Needs
During your visit with Dr. Lipshultz, you will receive detailed information about the vasectomy reversal procedure as well as many other options for starting a family. We want to make sure that you make the decision that is right for you and your needs, and we will address all concerns you may have before making any choice about vasectomy reversal or its alternatives.
Learn More About Vasectomy Reversal and Other Options for Care
To learn more about vasectomy reversal as well as your many other options for starting a family of your own, be sure to contact our men's health and urology center today. Dr. Lipshultz and his team are here to help you with your needs and to discuss all options for care.