Our results
Patency Rates
Technical success from microsurgical vasectomy reversal is excellent with over 95% of men who undergo the operation having sperm in the semen. There is however a difference between technical success as measured by sperm as opposed to practical success as measured by pregnancies.
Pregnancy Rates
One of the more important factors influencing the pregnancy related success rate is the duration of time since the previous vasectomy. The greater the time since the vasectomy, the lower the chance of a successful reversal. This is due to back pressure effects on the testis causing damage to sperm production. In addition the very fine tubules (epididymus) just next to the testis develop damage from this pressure and they often break open and then scar over so that there is a second blockage very close to the testis. Sperm antibodies can also develop as a result of a vasectomy. This is more commonly if the epididymus breaks open as a result of back pressure. The presence of sperm antibodies will reduce these pregnancy rates.
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Less than 3 years since vasectomy: 77% pregnancy
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3 to 8 years since vasectomy: 53% pregnancy
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9 to 14 years since vasectomy: 44% pregnancy
- Greater than 15 years since vasectomy: 30% pregnancy.
While there are those who claim pregnancy rates following vasectomy reversal that exceed normal fertility rates, it is not possible to produce pregnancy rates greater than the normal chance of pregnancy of a fertile couple. Claims that pregnancy rates following vasectomy reversal exceed 80% - thus making the claim that it is possible to improve on normal fertility - should be viewed with considerable suspicion. |
If sex fails to achieve a pregnancy all is not lost. As most men have sperm in their semen these can be concentrated artificially and used for either intra-uterine insemination or In Vitro Fertilization. The advent of the technique known as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection has dramatically improved pregnancy rates for those who fail to achieve pregnancy normally or who have very low sperm numbers or motility following the operation.
Take Home Baby Rates
The single most important factor influencing pregnancy rates and take home baby rates following vasectomy reversal is female age. The older your partner's age the lower the chance of successful pregnancy. It is wise to take into consideration that as a results of the occurrence of miscarriage that "take-home-baby" rates will be less than pregnancy rates. The most important factor influencing the chance of miscarriage is also female age - the older your female partner the higher the chance of miscarriage.