Vasectomy is a permanent contraceptive option that involves blocking the vasa deferentia (tubes that transport sperm) of the male reproductive system, thereby stopping the passage of sperm cells from the testes to the urethra. It is considered irreversible.
Sometimes, males with a vasectomy regret it and wish to have more children, in which case they have the following options:
- Vasovasostomy (VV). Surgical procedure that aims to reconnect the vasa deferentia, allowing the passage of sperm toward the urethra again. It is a challenging procedure, and as such its outcome will depend on the way in which vasectomy was performed, as well as the time interval since the operation. In any case, the success rate of a VV is lower than that of IVF. The main disadvantage is that another vasectomy is required in case the patient doesn't want to have more children after this new pregnancy.
- In vitro fertilization (IVF) with sperm retrieved through testicular biopsy or epididymal aspiration.
- Sperm donation, either to be used in an IUI or IVF cycle, based on the fertility of the female partner.
Read the full article on: Can You Get Pregnant After a Vasectomy? – Your Realistic Possibility ( 59).
Rebeca Jiménez Alfaro
M.D., M.Sc.
Gynecologist
Bachelor's Degree in Medicine from the University of Murcia, with specialty in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Master's Degree in Human Reproduction by the King Juan Carlos University and the Valencian Infertility Institute (IVI). Currently, she is part of the medical team of the clinic Tahe Fertilidad.
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