My Vasectomy Reversal

I came across this abstract the other day, discussing which is more cost effective — vasectomy reversal or IVF:

In men with prior vasectomy, microsurgical reconstruction of the reproductive tract is more cost-effective than sperm retrieval with in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection if the obstructive interval is less than 15 years and no female fertility risk factors are present. If epididymal obstruction is detected or advanced female age is present, the decision to use either microsurgical reconstruction or sperm retrieval with in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection should be individualized. Sperm retrieval with in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection is preferred to surgical treatment when female factors requiring in vitro fertilization are present or when the chance for success with sperm retrieval and intracytoplasmic sperm injection exceeds the chance for success with surgical treatment.

It is interesting to me that they chose 15 years as the cut-off point, since that is approximately the interval between my vasectomy reversal and the original vasectomy surgery. I guess I’m right on that line. I don’t think Lisa and I will go the IVF route, though we will probably try IUI if we don’t get pregnant in the next few months.

Here is the entire research paper cited above — The best infertility treatment for vasectomized men: assisted reproduction or vasectomy reversal?

Related post: Cost of vasectomy reversal

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