A new report published in the journal Nature Review Urology, emphasizes the importance of and changes in the field of vasectomy reversal as a means of improving male fertility.
Surgical vasectomy used to be viewed as a permanent means of sterilization, but advancements in microsurgery have changed the playing field. Men who have previously undergone vasectomy can now have the procedure reversed and return to normal fertility, 90% of the time, within two years. Assisted reproduction techniques (ART) may be used in the time it takes to return to normal fertility.
Conclusion: While ART is a viable option for men who have undergone vasectomy, the procedures can be expensive. Reversing the vasectomy may be less expensive and allow couples to achieve natural conception within two years of the reversal. Not all vasectomies can be reversed, but reversal is effective for up to 90% of men.
Source: Schwarzer JU, Steinfatt H. Current status of vasectomy reversal. Nat Rev Urol. 2013 Feb 12. doi: 10.1038/nrurol.2013.14.