Success Rates

The results of vasectomy reversal are reported as two percentages. The first is patency rate; that means the percentage of men who have the return of sperm in the ejaculate after reversal. This means that the operation was technically successful. The second statistic reported is the pregnancy rate. The pregnancy rate is always lower than the patency rate because many more factors play a role in getting pregnant other that the return of sperm in the ejaculate. The results of microsurgical vasovasostomy from the Vasovasostomy Study Group data are >90% patency if sperm were present in the vasal fluid at the time of surgery and pregnancy rates up to 76%. This is the study quoted by most surgeons when asked about results of vasectomy reversal. Dr. Werthman’s personal results to date are an over 98% patency rate (sperm restored to the ejaculate) if sperm were present in the vas fluid at surgery. This data is from the last 1000 vasectomy reversals performed by Dr. Werthman.

For microsurgical vasoepididymostomy the patency rate is over 60% and the pregnancy rate is 40%. It is for this reason that sperm harvesting and freezing at the time of vasoepididymostomy should at least be discussed. This potentially might decrease the chances of a needing a second procedure to get sperm later if the vasectomy reversal fails. One problem is that sperm that are frozen may not survive being frozen and thawed and another is that freshly harvested sperm might increase the chances that IVF results in a pregnancy.

Data collected by the Vasovasostomy Study Group (the largest multicenter study of vasectomy reversals, published in 1991) showed a distinct increase in success rates when the surgery was performed using an operating microscope by a skilled micro surgeon. The American Urological Association offers several fellowships (1-2 years of specialized intensive training) in male infertility and microsurgery. While many doctors will attempt this surgery, most have no formal training as microsurgeons. It is incumbent upon the prospective patient to make sure that the surgeon he chooses is a fellowship trained micro surgeon and infertility expert who practices microsurgery on a consistent basis. Even though a failed vasectomy reversal can be successfully repaired, the first attempt is the best chance.

Schedule an appointment – If you’d like to request information about reversals or make an appointment, you can call us or complete our online Action Request Form and we will then contact you.