Approximately 500,000 vasectomies are performed each year in the United States, and between 3-8% of these men will eventually change their mind and wish to have further children. Following vasectomy, sperm continue to be made by the testicles, but they cannot travel out the the blocked vas deferens, so they are reabsorbed by the body.
What are my options for fertility if I have had a vasectomy?
Two options exist for men who wish to have biologically-related children but have had a prior vasectomy. These options are vasectomy reversal and sperm extraction combined with IVF/ICSI. Making the right choice between these two depends on several factors, such as how long ago the vasectomy was performed, age of the female partner, and personal preferences of the couple. Each couple must be evaluated on an individual basis and given the information needed to make the right choice for their unique situation.
