Microsurgical Vasectomy Reversal Costs and Considerations
Vasectomy reversal cost
There are significant costs associated with having a child after a vasectomy reversal. Many high volume vasectomy reversal surgeons offer a package rate which commonly covers all reversal procedures whether uncomplicated or complicated, this may also include an office visit and semen analysis. Moreover, if you choose sperm retrieval and banking there will be additional costs. Costs can vary greatly and generally range from $6-25,000.00 for the reversal. The great differential in cost depends upon many factors such as the type of anesthesia, facility and surgeon fees and where the surgeon is located.
Our own package price has been negotiated heavily with our teaching institution and has significantly decreased all costs for the patients benefit. Our price includes a general anesthetic, facility and practice fees. This upfront pricing is offered no matter how complex or long the reversal takes. We find this transparency leads to improved patient satisfaction.
Comparing costs of alternatives to reversal
The other three ways to obtain a child are: In-Vitro Fertilization, artificial insemination of the woman or surrogate, with the use of donor sperm and through adoption. Sperm retrieval from the man that has undergone vasectomy does not usually amount to that required for artificial insemination, but is fine for IVF.
Compare the costs of a reversal to the costs for IVF. IVF costs can exceed $15,000.00 per cycle or per attempt at most centers, and it can sometimes take several cycles to achieve pregnancy, if at all. The pregnancy success rate is about 40 – 70% depending on the IVF center. And this assumes your female partner does not have any significant fertility issues.
IVF with a surrogate can cost upwards of $60-80,000.00. Adoptions cost in the range of $40,000.00.
In this light it is obvious that if both you and your partner are fertile, the choice of a reversal is much less expensive, more cost-effective and you get a child that is genetically related to both you and your partner, naturally, through intercourse.
Sometimes, insurance will cover parts of the cost, such as the anesthesia and facility fee.
Additionally, if you contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA), a vasectomy reversal is a “Qualified Medical Expense” according to the IRS (see IRS publication 502) and HSA funds can be used to pay for your reversal.
The important questions to ask male reproductive surgeons are:
1. What is the surgeon’s surgical success or patency rate?
The factors that affect this are the time between vasectomy and reversal, the type of connection made during the operation, the type of fluid within the vas, the presence of sperm within the fluid, and overall fertility status of the male. To determine the presence, viability and motility of sperm, after a reversal, the semen is analyzed at certain intervals. The interval has to do with the normal turnover of sperm which occurs between 2 and 3 months. If there is sperm present in any amount, the patency or the “openness” of the connection is confirmed. If your partner becomes pregnant prior to the semen analysis, which is very possible and does not occur infrequently, your reversal is successful.
2. The pregnancy rate is the most important information for patients.
This depends on the patency rate and fertility status of the female partner. Pregnancy can range anywhere from 30-70%. Dr. Shridharani’s patency rates are around 95% for bilateral vasovasostomies(VV), ~88% for a one-sided VV, and about 70% for bilateral epididymostomies(EVs). – See more at: https://drshrid.wpengine.com/vasectomy-reversal/faqs/#sthash.h1ACHclq.dpuf
3. What is their training and experience?
Today the skills and training necessary are only provided by fellowships, where leaders in the field train surgeons to be not only technically proficient, but to offer the complex individualized assessment and counseling that patients deserve prior to treatment. Dr. Shridharani was trained at the Medical College of Wisconsin by Dr. Jay Sandlow, a seasoned vasectomy reversal surgeon and international leader in the field of andrology.
Dr. Shridharani is one of only two fellowship trained microsurgeons in the state of Tennessee and regularly performs reversals on men in the state and from all over the country. He has successfully performed successful reversals on men who have had their vasectomy greater than 25 years prior. Importantly, Dr. Shridharani is capable of performing any type of reconnection whether the blockage is located in the epididymis, scrotum, inguinal region or abdomen.
You have a lot to think about. Just remember that cost is one thing, pregnancy success is another. It is the surgeon’s training and skills, plus his success record that offer you the best opportunity for a successful reversal. Dr. Shridharani meets these requirements, and is a kind and caring doctor.