Dr. Larry Lipshultz has helped patients throughout the state from his men's health facility in Austin. The reason that patients from as far out as Dallas have sought out Dr. Lipshultz's help is his commitment to patient education, understanding, and total wellness. These are all very important concerns when patients come in for vasectomy reversal, a procedure that restores a man's ability to father a child.
We receive a lot of questions about how common vasectomy reversals are, and we'd like to use this opportunity to look at the numbers and factors that affect the surgery being performed.
About Vasectomy Reversal Surgery
Vasectomy reversal surgery refers to surgically restoring a man's ability to father a child through natural means. The surgery is performed after a man has undergone a vasectomy, which is a popular form of birth control for many individuals and couples.
How many men undergo a vasectomy?
Given the popularity of vasectomies as a contraceptive option, we often get asked this question. According to some estimates, approximately 500,000 men each year undergo vasectomy as a means of preventing unwanted pregnancy.
Of that number, how many men decide to undergo a vasectomy reversal?
The numbers can vary to some degree when it comes to vasectomy reversal, though estimates suggest that approximately 5% of men who undergo a vasectomy will eventually undergo a vasectomy reversal.
Why the Numbers Are What They Are
The 5% figure isn't particularly high, and there are compelling reasons for this.
One of the important factors in the decision is the cost of a vasectomy reversal. While restoring the ability to father a child again is important, some patients do not think it's right for them given the cost of the reversal surgery. This is particularly important to consider since vasectomy reversal is not covered by medical insurance.
Another factor is the nature of modern reproductive medicine. While a man may have undergone a vasectomy, there are many options available for him to father a child thanks to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other advanced techniques.
In addition to the two previously mentioned factors, it's important to note the issue of how many children a man wishes to father. If the number is only one or two, there are ways of making this happen without have to perform a surgical reversal of a vasectomy.
We should also note that vasectomy reversal surgery is sometimes performed to address chronic genital pain that develops as a complication of the initial vasectomy. Chronic testicular pain can be relieved through vasectomy reversal surgery.
Payment Options for Vasectomy Reversal
There are different payment and financing options for vasectomy reversal that patients can consider if the cost of the surgery is an issue. One potential option is a flex spending account (FSA), which helps reimburse up to $2,500 in approved medical expenses. We'd be more than happy to discuss these payment options with you in more detail during a consultation.
Alternatives to Vasectomy Reversal
Some alternatives to vasectomy reversal that may be ideal for you include:
- Cryopreservation of sperm before the initial vasectomy
- Sperm retrieval following the vasectomy
- Use of sperm donors for IVF treatment
- Adoption
During your consultation with Dr. Lipshultz, we'll discuss all of these alternatives as well as the vasectomy reversal itself in greater detail. This will help you make a smart, fully-informed decision when it comes to starting a family of your own.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Larry Lipshultz
For more information about vasectomy reversal and your many other options for starting a family, we encourage you to contact our men's health medical center today. Dr. Lipshultz and the entire team here look forward to your visit.