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About two to six percent of vasectomy patients later seek a reversal, a complex procedure that usually involves microsurgery to reconnect the tubes that carry sperm and to restore a normal concentration of sperm in the semen.
Typical costs: | - Vasectomy reversal typically costs $6,000 to $15,000, including the doctor's fee, anesthesia and facility fee.
- Vasectomy reversal is almost never covered by insurance. For example, an FAQ from the Urology Associates of North Georgia says the practice has never had the procedure reimbursed by an insurance company; and, according to the California Vasectomy & Reversal Center[1] , it is rarely covered. Most plans have exclusions for reversals.
Related articles: Vasectomy, IUD
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What should be included: | - In a vasectomy reversal, the doctor uses under general anesthesia, then makes a cut in the scrotum to remove the scarred ends of the vas deferens tubes that were cut in the vasectomy procedure. The doctor then will take a fluid sample to make sure sperm are present, then reconnect the ends of the tubes.
- If no sperm is present in the sample, the doctor will have to instead perform a more complicated type of vasectomy reversal, called either an epididymovasostomy or a vasoepididymostomy depending on the exact technique used, to bypass the blockage causing the absence of sperm. This type of reversal usually has slightly lower success rates. UrologyHealth.org offers detailed descriptions of the different types of vasectomy reversals.
Additional costs: | - Some men choose to have the doctor collect sperm, which can later be frozen, in case the reversal does not work. This can cost about $600.
- If one of the more complex -- epididymovasostomy or vasoepididymostomy -- reversal procedures is required, it can add between $700 and $1,500 extra to the total cost. However, some doctors offer a flat rate and do not charge extra.
Shopping for a vasectomy reversal: | - A doctor who performs a vasectomy reversal should be a board-certified urologist. The American Urological Association[2] offers a physician locator by zip code, but check to make sure the doctor is certified by the American Board of Urology[3] .
- Ask how many vasectomy reversals the doctor has performed, and what percentage of these patients have then fathered one or more children. If the doctor recommends microsurgery, ask about his or her training and experience in this technique.
- Vasectomy reversals do not always work. In fact, only 52 percent of couples have a child within two years after a reversal.
- According to UrologyChannel.com, risks include infection, swelling or a hematoma -- collection of blood -- in the scrotum, or a sperm granuloma -- collection of sperm -- that can cause inflammation and pain.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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External Resources: | - www.californiavasectomyreversal.com/Financial_Information.html
- www.urologyhealth.org/urology/findurologist.cfm
- www.abu.org/generalInformation.aspx
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