Vasectomy Reversal FAQ’s
To help in your decision making regarding vasectomy reversal, we have compiled a list of the most common questions posed by patients considering undergoing the procedure.
How much will a vasectomy reversal cost?
The cost of a vasectomy reversal can range anywhere from $2,000 to $12,000. Your surgeon’s experience, the type of practice at which the surgery is performed, and the state you live in all have an effect on the total amount. Contact a few local urologists to get a better idea of what you can expect to pay for your vasectomy reversal.
Unfortunately, vasectomy reversal is rarely covered by insurance. Please refer to the Vasectomy Reversal Insurance Coverage page for more information.
What are the payment options for a vasectomy reversal?
Many vasectomy reversal doctors offer special payment plans for their patients. This will allow you to pay for the procedure in a small amount each month, rather than paying for it all at once. Ask your doctor if he/she offers any payment plans for this operation.
Are there any reasonable alternatives to vasectomy reversal?
Yes, there is an alternative to vasectomy reversal. Known as IVF-ICSI, this procedure uses the sperm from behind the vasectomy through a sperm extraction procedure. IVF-ICSI has a reliable pregnancy rate of approximately 50% per try at a cost of $13,000 to $14,000. A sperm retrieval procedure the day of the IVF-ICSI has a cost of $2,000. When the costs of these procedures are combined, it is close to double that of vasectomy reversal.
Vasectomy reversal procedure
Vasectomy reversals, like any other medical procedure, should be performed by a specialist trained in microsurgical vasectomy reversal procedures.
How long is the vasectomy reversal procedure?
The time required for a vasectomy reversal is dependent upon the type of procedure being performed. A simple reversal (vasovasostomy or VV) may take only 3 hours of surgery time, whereas the more complicated cases requiring an epididymovasostomy (EV) may require 4 hours.
What type of anesthesia is used for the vasectomy reversal surgery?
Similar to your original vasectomy, a light general anesthetic is used in combination with a local anesthetic. The local anesthetic is to numb the surgery area directly. The light general anesthetic will put you to sleep due to the time duration of the procedure. Patients wake up promptly after vasectomy reversal with no immediate discomfort, and there is minimal nausea or hangover feeling.
Why not use local anesthesia only when performing a vasectomy reversal?
The simple answer is sensitivity. Most men are very psychologically sensitive about the procedure. Conscious drift can be unsettling for most. Additionally, there is a risk of unpredictable patient movements under sedation with local anesthesia which can cause problems with the accuracy of the reconnection during a microsurgical vasectomy reversal.
Where is the vasectomy reversal procedure performed?
Depending on the doctor, your vasectomy reversal microsurgery may be performed in a hospital, surgical facility, clinics or doctor’s office. This, as well as the other details of your procedure, may be discussed with you during your initial consultation.
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