Without a vasectomy reversal, a woman can get pregnant with in-vitro fertilization (IVF) combined with intracytoplasmic sperm imjection (ICSI).
IVF/ICSI requires that sperm be retrieved from the testicle or epididymis through a minor surgical procedure. Retrieving the sperm is less complicated than reversal surgery -- it entails local anesthesia and insertion of a needle into the scrotum (into the testicle or epididymis) to obtain sperm. However, it also requires IVF for the woman, including fertility drugs and surgery.
The cost for a vasectomy reversal can range from $4,000-20,000, and the cost of one cycle of IVF can range between $6,000-15,0000. Reversal surgery, and in most cases, repeat reversal surgery, are usually options of first choice for vasectomized men, mostly because of the expense, lower pregnancy rates, and potential side effects from hormonal therapy with IVF for the female partner.
IVF/ICSI is an option to consider if vasectomy reversal is unsuccessful, rather than as an alternative to surgery.