For most patients vasectomy reversal is a superior option than IVF as it provides a higher overall chance of pregnancy and gives you the widest range of options.
Importantly, you should understand that:
- IVF markedly reduces the prospect of a future successful vasectomy reversal;
- Vasectomy reversal simplifies and optimises the prospect of future IVF.
The reason for the limiting effect of IVF on future vasectomy reversal is that sperm aspiration damages either the epididymis (which is a continuation of the vas deferens up the side of the testis) or the sperm collecting system inside the testis (the rete testis).
On the other hand, should vasectomy reversal not work for any reason (no sperm, poor sperm, bad luck), there is nothing about vasectomy reversal that limits the future success of IVF. Indeed, as the overwhelming majority of men who undergo vasectomy reversal have sperm present in the semen, then this eliminates the need for a sperm retrieval procedure when attempting IVF.