Sperm are produced in the testicles. The sperm travel from the testicles to the epididymis, a coiled tube attached to the back of each testis, where they mature. From there, the sperm travel through a tube called the vas deferens (vas) that leads from the epididymis to the seminal vesicles located behind the bladder. These form an ejaculatory duct. These two ducts then go into the prostate gland. The seminal vesicles and the prostate gland produce the fluid that composes semen that contains the sperm, which is then carried through the urethra and out through the penis.

A vasectomy is a surgical means of birth control which interrupts this process at the vas deferens. A clip is made through the vas and the ends are sewn shut. Sperm continue to be produced, but the semen contains no sperm because the flow has been interrupted. Over half a million men undergo this procedure each year.

Although vasectomy is considered a permanent form of birth control, about 1% of the men who have this operation will decide that they want to have more children. This is usually because they want to father another child with a new partner. Others may desire the reversal because of testicular pain resulting from congestion following a vasectomy, for religious reasons, or other personal reasons.

A vasectomy reversal is the surgical reattachment of the vas deferens. Because there is less risk of epididymal damage and secondary obstruction, the shorter the time between the vasectomy and the vasectomy reversal, the better the chances of a pregnancy occurring.

Years between vasectomy and reversal	Sperm Return	Pregnancy Rate
< 3	97%	85%
3-8	88%	55%
9-14	79%	45%
>15	71%	33%

 

Because health insurance usually does not cover vasectomy reversal, it is important to check with your health care plan. The Florida Urological Institute rates are as follows:

Vasectomy Reversal

Surgeons Fee	2500
Facility Fee	1000
Anesthesia Fee	225/hr. (2 Hrs.)

Vasoepididymostomy
(secondary blockage present)

Surgeons Fee	2000 per side
Facility Fee	1500
Anesthesia Fee	225/hr. (3.5 Hrs.)

Sperm Aspiration

Surgeons Fee	1500
Facility Fee	700
Anesthesia Fee	225/hr. (1 Hr.)

Testicular Biposy

Surgeons Fee	700
Facility Fee	0
Anesthesia Fee	225/hr. (30 minutes)

 

[Vasectomy Reversal] [Vasectomy Reversal Surgery] [After Surgery]