» FAQ's

1. Why should I choose Vasectomy Reversal Center of Chicago for my reversal?
2. What is your success rate?  
3.  My vasectomy was done many years ago. Can it be reversed?
4. What are different types of vasectomy reversal?
5. What are the indications for Vasoepididymostomy?
6.  Should I have Sperm aspiration instead of vasectomy reversal?
7.  What type of suture do you use?
8.  Will I need General Anesthesia for the procedure?
9.  How will I feel after surgery?
10.  When will I get my sperm checked?
11. When can I expect pregnancy to happen?
12. What is the cost for reversal?
13.  How can I pay for the procedure?
14. How do I make an appointment?

 

1.  Why should I choose Vasectomy Reversal Center of Chicago for my reversal?
Dr Agha is a Board certified Urologist with primary focus on the male infertility. He has been performing vasectomy reversals for over 12 years on regular basis (average 2 cases per week). He uses a very high end computerized operating microscope which facilitates this extremely delicate operation. Of course, only the right tools for the right job in skilled hands deliver the best results.  The procedure is performed in a state of the art,  fully accredited and Joint Commission approved Ambulatory Surgery Center.

 2.  What is your success rate?  
If the sperm are found during surgery, our success (defined by the presence of sperm in the semen after reversal) is above 95%.

3.  My vasectomy was done many years ago. Can it be reversed?
Vasectomy reversal can be performed even after many years of the blockage. However, longer the time interval from the vasectomy, lower the success rates.  The chances that sperm will be discovered during surgery vary with time since vasectomy (95 % 1-3 years, 80-85% 4-7 years and 70-75% 8-14 years).

4. What are different types of vasectomy reversal?
The most common, called vasovasostomy, involves stitching the disconnected ends of the vas deferens back together with ultra-fine sutures.  The other reversal procedure, called vaso-epididymostomy, is performed when inflammation or scarring from the original vasectomy blocks the epididymis - the tubular structure connecting the testes to the vas deferens. In this microsurgical procedure, the blockage is bypassed by surgically connecting the vas deferens directly to the epididymis in a new location.

5. What are the indications for Vasoepididymostomy?
When there is thick fluid or no fluid coming out of the testicular end of vas deferens, it suggests an obstruction in the epididymis. In such cases the connection of the vas is established to epididymis above the level of obstruction.

6.  Should I have Sperm aspiration instead of vasectomy reversal?
Sperm acquired through aspiration or other retrieval techniques can only be used with in vitro fertilization for pregnancy. Under certain circumstances it may be a viable option e.g., too long a period (>15 years) since vasectomy and female partner’s age closer to menopause (40s plus when time seems to be running out). However the cost of pregnancy with in vitro fertilization is significantly higher. Many couples opt to have an initial attempt at reversal despite the longer number of years since vasectomy and keep sperm retrieval/IVF as a backup plan if reversal does not work.

7.  What type of suture do you use?
9-0 Ethilon suture for vas to vas connection and 10-0 Ethilon for  vasoepididymostomies.

8.  Will I need General Anesthesia for the procedure?
No. In 99% of the cases Dr. Agha can perform the surgery under local anesthesia. Only rarely general anesthesia (GA) is needed in some special cases or per request. The advantages of local anesthesia include avoiding unnecessary additional cost and potential side effects of GA.

9.  How will I feel after surgery?
There will be some swelling and bruising after surgery for 4-5 days. In addition there may be some mild bleeding or oozing from the stitches. You may like to rest and take easy for first 48 hours. Later on you may increase activity as tolerated. Sexual activity should be avoided for 3 weeks or longer if it is still uncomfortable. General guiding principle on activity is “if it hurts, don’t do it”.
  
10.  When will I get my sperm checked?
Semen testing is generally performed at 2-3 months after reversal.

11. When can I expect pregnancy to happen?
It is variable. Even when reversal is successful, there are many factors that affect the outcome of pregnancy. In our experience the pregnancy has happened within 6-8 weeks on one hand and more than a year on others. Timing of sexual activity to ovulation improves the chances of success.
12. What is the cost for reversal?
The total cost of the vasectomy reversal at our center is $6400 It covers surgeon’s fee, facility fee and intra-operative medicine for local anesthesia and sedation. There is no additional cost for vasoepididymostomy or redo reversal. General anesthesia, if requested (<1% cases) costs an additional $1350.00. The cost is subject to change.

13.  How can I pay for the procedure?
We do not accept insurance for this procedure. A $500.00 deposit is required to schedule a date of surgery. The balance of the fee is payable 2 weeks before surgery in the form of a cashier's check, money order or cash. Third party financing is available.

14. How do I make an appointment?
You can make an appointment by email, online or phone. Please see our contact page