Vasectomy Reversal: Success Rates, Surgery & Recovery

Last updated: May 18, 2026

Soarawee Weerasopone, Urologist

Bangkok hospital Headquarter, Bangkok

Samitivej Sriracha hospital, Chonburi

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With increasing divorce rates globally, men who previously underwent vasectomy may change their minds and seek a reversal procedure. A US survey shows that 2–6% of vasectomized men eventually request reversal.

Vasectomy procedure

What is Vasectomy?

Vasectomy is a day-care procedure for permanent male contraception. After local anesthesia, the surgeon makes a small 1 cm incision in the scrotum, identifies both vas deferens, then cuts, ties, and cauterizes them. The “no-scalpel technique” is an alternative approach requiring no incision, with advantages of less pain and shorter operative time, though effectiveness remains the subject of ongoing study.

Vasectomy Reversal operation

Vasectomy reversal (vasovasostomy) is a much more complex procedure than the original vasectomy. It requires general anesthesia, several hours of operative time, and an overnight hospital stay. Microsurgical technique by a well-trained urologist or andrologist is essential for optimal outcomes.

Post-operative instructions that must be strictly followed:

Shower only after 48 hours post-surgery
Wear scrotal support at all times (except showering) for 6 weeks
Continue scrotal support during heavy activity until pregnancy is confirmed
Desk work can be resumed after 3 days
Avoid sports and strenuous activity for 3 weeks
No ejaculation for 3 weeks
Semen analysis at 1, 3, and 6 months post-operatively to confirm sperm return

With microsurgical technique, 70–95% of patients have sperm return in ejaculation fluid, and 30–75% of couples achieve natural pregnancy. The key factor affecting success is time since vasectomy – reversal within 5 years gives the best results. If you need more information, come and see me at the office.

If you are considering vasectomy reversal or want to discuss your fertility options after a previous vasectomy, Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone offers specialist consultations at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. Book a Consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Vasectomy Reversal

Can a vasectomy be reversed?

Yes. Vasectomy reversal (vasovasostomy) is a microsurgical procedure that reconnects the vas deferens to restore sperm flow. With skilled microsurgical technique, 70–95% of patients have sperm return in ejaculate after reversal. Natural pregnancy rates of 30–75% have been reported. Success depends heavily on the time elapsed since the original vasectomy.

How does time since vasectomy affect reversal success?

Time since vasectomy is the single most important factor affecting reversal success. Reversal within 5 years of vasectomy is associated with the highest success rates for both sperm return and pregnancy. Beyond 10–15 years, success rates decline significantly due to secondary blockage developing at the epididymis, which may require a more complex procedure called vasoepididymostomy rather than a simple vasovasostomy.

Is vasectomy reversal a day-care procedure like vasectomy?

No. Unlike vasectomy, which is a simple day-care procedure under local anesthesia, vasectomy reversal is a major microsurgical operation performed under general anesthesia. It typically takes several hours and requires an overnight hospital stay. The procedure demands highly specialized microsurgical skill and should be performed by an experienced urologist or andrologist using magnification.

How long does recovery take after vasectomy reversal?

Most patients can return to desk work within 3 days. Sports and strenuous physical activity should be avoided for 3 weeks. Ejaculation should be avoided for the first 3 weeks post-operatively. Scrotal support must be worn continuously for 6 weeks. Semen analysis is performed at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery to monitor the return of sperm and assess the need for further evaluation.

What if reversal is not successful or not an option?

If vasectomy reversal is not successful or not feasible (due to very long time since vasectomy or epididymal blockage), sperm can still be retrieved directly from the testis or epididymis through procedures such as TESA (testicular sperm aspiration) or PESA (percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration). These retrieved sperm can then be used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to achieve pregnancy.

Disclaimer: This content is written and reviewed by Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone, a board-certified urologist at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. It is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any medical treatment.

Medically written & reviewed by: Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone (Dr. Pom) — Board-Certified Urologist, Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. International Fellow: Baylor College of Medicine (USA) · Juntendo University (Japan) · Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (Taiwan).

Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone

Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone (Dr. Pom) is a board-certified urologist at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters, specializing in Men’s Health, Robotic Surgery (Da Vinci System), and Kidney Stone treatment. He has completed international fellowships at Baylor College of Medicine (USA), Juntendo University Hospital (Japan), and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (Taiwan). All medical content on this site is written and reviewed by Dr. Soarawee based on his clinical experience and international training.