What is the likelihood of a vasectomy reversal being
successful?
The most important
factor predicting success is the time since the
initial vasectomy. For those men less than
three years since the procedure the chance of
reversal resulting in satisfactory sperm counts is
approximately 90%. At five years this reduces
to 70% and if more than ten years has elapsed only
50% of men will have a satisfactory semen analysis.
The pregnancy rate after reversal is approximately
two thirds (66%) of these men with satisfactory
sperm count. Other important factors include:
-
type of procedure performed initially;
- complications
such as infection at the time of vasectomy;
- previous
history of infertility or poor semen analysis
- medical
conditions such as diabetes or chronic illness.
Consideration of
any female factors likely to compromise fertility
should be discussed prior to vasectomy reversal.
In particular, the following female factors may
reduce the chance of pregnancy:
-
female age more than 35 years;
-
history of female pelvic infection;
-
history of tubal surgery;
-
history of previous infertility.
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