How Much Does Vasectomy Reversal Cost?
Key takeaways:
A vasectomy is surgical sterilization for males — an effective and long-term form of birth control — but there are times when a person may want a vasectomy reversed.
To restore fertility, you will undergo a surgical procedure that reconnects the pathway for sperm in the testicles to mix with semen in the penis. This procedure is known as a vasectomy reversal.
A vasectomy reversal typically costs $5,000 to more than $14,000, and the procedure is not covered by most health insurance plans.
For people seeking a permanent form of birth control, a vasectomy can be an affordable way to prevent pregnancy. In fact, a vasectomy is one of the most economical forms of long-term birth control. Each year, 300,000 to 500,000 men in the U.S. have the procedure.
A vasectomy prevents sperm from leaving your body during sex. However, some men who have had the procedure want their vasectomies reversed.
A vasectomy reversal is more expensive than a vasectomy and is rarely covered by health insurance.
Why would someone want a vasectomy reversal?
About 3% to 6% of men who have a vasectomy will seek a reversal.
There are several reasons why you may want to undo a vasectomy. Reasons include:
Changing your mind about producing offspring
Wanting to start a family with a new partner
Experiencing pain from a vasectomy and seeking a reversal to find relief
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What happens during a vasectomy reversal surgery?
A vasectomy cuts a tube called the vas deferens, which allows sperm from the testicles to meet semen in the penis. A vasectomy reversal restores that pathway.
There are two main types of procedures:
Vasovasostomy: This procedure is more common and involves reconnecting the vas deferens that was cut during the vasectomy.
Vasoepididymostomy: This surgery requires bypassing a blockage to reconnect the pathway. This is a more complex procedure.
How much does a vasectomy reversal cost?
A vasectomy costs about $1,000, but a vasectomy reversal can cost 10 times as much or more.
Vasectomy reversal costs vary. The procedure may be bundled into an all-inclusive package. You also could be charged for each service, which may include:
Consultation
Anesthesia
Procedure
Supplies, such as microsutures
Facility, such as a hospital or surgical center
Follow-up visits
Semen analysis
According to the Urology Care Foundation, a vasectomy reversal can cost $5,000 to $15,000. Research published in 2021 reported advertised prices for vasectomy reversal ranging from $1,990 to more than $14,000. Prices vary based on the kind of procedure and where you have the surgery, as well as the skill and reputation of the surgeon.
Some examples of the varying prices of a vasectomy reversal include:
The Center for Male Reproductive Medicine and Vasectomy Reversal in Los Angeles says you should expect to pay no less than $6,500 to $7,500.
Comprehensive Urologic Care, which has several offices in northern Illinois, charges about $10,700.
Northeast Georgia Urological Associates offers an all-inclusive price of $7,200.
A multi-office practice in South Florida has a bundled price of $6,000, which includes a $100 consultation fee.
Is vasectomy reversal worth it?
It depends on your goals and expectations. For many people, vasectomy reversal is not simply a financial choice. It is also an emotional one. If the procedure allows you to expand your family, a successful reversal could be priceless.
For those who suffer from chronic pain as a result of a vasectomy, a reversal could bring welcome relief.
Finances, however, are a real concern. A vasectomy reversal typically costs thousands of dollars. Having the procedure could put a dent in your savings or leave you in debt. There is also a chance that the reversal does not restore your fertility.
Reversals can be done decades after a vasectomy. The most successful vasectomy reversals happen within 10 years of vasectomy, though. Success rates can be 80% to 90% when the reversal is performed by an experienced microsurgeon, according to Yale Medicine.
It is important to note that not all reversals work and not all procedures where semen flows again will result in pregnancies.
Does insurance cover vasectomy reversal?
Most health insurance plans will not cover vasectomy reversal. This means that most people will pay for the procedure out of pocket.
Some ways to manage costs of a vasectomy reversal include:
Asking about prices and confirming all charges upfront
Asking about a payment plan or financing through your provider
Saving up for your procedure
How long does a vasectomy reversal last?
Most men who have had a successful vasectomy reversal will remain fertile for many years. One issue that can arise is scar tissue forming around the reconnection site, which can block semen from mixing with sperm.
What is the recovery time for a vasectomy reversal?
Recovery from a vasectomy reversal typically takes about 2 weeks. During that time, you should abstain from sexual activity and decrease vigorous physical activity. Some physicians recommend not ejaculating for 3 weeks.
Your surgeon will perform a semen analysis a few weeks after the surgery to make sure semen is flowing through the new connection.
What are the potential complications of vasectomy reversal?
You are likely to experience discomfort for a few days after your vasectomy reversal. Major complications are not common, but you may have these symptoms after surgery:
Infection
Swelling
Bruising
Bleeding
Chronic pain around the testicles
Sperm granuloma (a lump at the surgical site)
Will I have to take medications post-procedure?
Your doctor may prescribe pain medications or recommend an over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen.
If your levels are less than expected during the semen analysis, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to lower the risk of developing scar tissue at the surgery site.
The bottom line
A vasectomy reversal restores the pathway that was cut during a vasectomy. A reversal also may relieve pain resulting from a vasectomy. Expect to pay $5,000 to more than $14,000 for a vasectomy reversal.
The price for a vasectomy reversal may be an all-inclusive bundle, or you may be charged per service. Vasectomy reversals are rarely covered by health insurance. Complications are uncommon, but you may experience pain after the procedure.
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References
Center for Male Reproductive Medicine and Vasectomy Reversal. (n.d.). Costs of vasectomy reversal.
Comprehensive Urologic Care. (n.d.). How much does a vasectomy reversal really cost?
Gentle Vasectomy. (n.d.). Fees.
Hua, V., et al. (2022). Vasectomy reversal search trends and advertising in the United States. The Journal of Urology.
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Vasectomy reversal.
Lundy, S., et al. (2021). What a tangled web we weave: The internet presence of vasectomy reversal providers in the United States. Fertility and Sterility.
Northeast Georgia Urological Associates. (n.d.). Microscopic vasectomy reversal cost. Georgia Vasectomy/Vasectomy Reversal.
Urology Care Foundation. (n.d.). Vasectomy reversal.
UVA Health. (n.d.). Vasectomy reversal.
Yale Medicine. (n.d.). Vasectomy reversal (vasovasostomy).
