Are vasectomies reversible?

Someone asked us: Can I get a vasectomy reversed if I decide I want kids later?

A vasectomy is meant to be permanent, so it’s not the best birth control method for people who think they might want to have biological kids in the future. If you’re already thinking about reversal before you get a vasectomy, it’s probably best to hold off.

There are procedures that can sometimes reverse a vasectomy, but there’s no guarantee they’ll work. They can also be pretty expensive, and they’re usually not covered by health insurance. Vasectomy reversals can cost around $5,000-$15,000, not including other possible fees.

To reverse a vasectomy, a doctor will make a small cut on each side of your scrotum and either reconnect the ends of the vas deferens (the tubes that are cut during a vasectomy), or connect the vas deferens to the epididymis. The type of reversal procedure you’ll have depends on your individual situation and what your doctor thinks will work best for you.

The rates of success vary depending on the type of procedure and the skill of the doctor. But in general, vasectomy reversals work in about 85 out of 100 people. But just because the vasectomy worked and there’s sperm in your semen again, doesn’t mean your partner is guaranteed to get pregnant: after a vasectomy reversal, about 55 out of 100 partners get pregnant. The rate of success can also depend on how long it’s been since you had your vasectomy — pregnancy rates are higher when you get a reversal sooner after your vasectomy. It can take a few months to more than a year after your reversal for pregnancy to happen.

Because your partner’s fertility can also affect whether or not pregnancy can happen, it’s a good idea for your partner to see a doctor to check whether they’re still ovulating and/or if they have a good chance of getting pregnant before you get a vasectomy reversal