Sperm Banking and Vasectomy Reversal

While undergoing vasectomy reversal, couples often have their doctor aspirate (remove) sperm to take advantage of the opportunity for sperm banking. This is an important option worth considering because during the vasectomy reversal, the surgeon is already going to assess the sperm and sperm can easily be harvested at this time. A decision to sperm bank in advance of the vasectomy reversal avoids having to undergo another procedure at a later date to obtain the sperm. Should the vasectomy reversal not be a success, the banked sperm is now available for IVF (in-vitro-fertilization) treatment.

During the vasectomy reversal, the doctor or specialist is able to conveniently evaluate the sperm for banking. The vasectomy reversal doctor decides the exact location for the best chance of harvesting viable sperm. When the vasovasostomy technique is possible, the sperm can be obtained for banking directly from the vas deferens. If the fluid from the vas deferens has degraded or has non-living sperm, a vasovasostomy connection will still likely be successful, but sperm may be collected directly from a small piece of tissue taken right out of the testicle. If no motile sperm are found here, then the vaso-epididymostomy technique is performed and sperm can be collected from the connection site of the epididymis (called a testicular biopsy).

Typically, sperm harvesting is performed by a urologist with specialty training in male infertility. It is important to ensure that your vasectomy reversal doctor can perform all of the various techniques required for sperm retrieval. Some men will require simple percutaneous sperm retrieval, whereas others might require the more sophisticated technique of microdissection TESE. If your vasectomy reversal doctor is also a male infertility specialist then there is also an assurance that an adequate amount of sperm will be procured for multiple cycles of IVF, if necessary.

To learn more about the doctor's options at the time of the vasectomy reversal techniques read:

Types of Reconnection: Two Methods
FAQ: Do doctors who perform vasectomy reversal all perform vasoepididymostomy?
FAQ: Can the type of reconnection required be predicted before the operation?

Keeping expectations in check is important. First off, a successful vasectomy reversal outcome, as defined by full recovery of the sperm to the ejaculate (patency success) takes between 3 to 6 months. And typically, it takes 12 to 24 months after the vasectomy reversal for a successful pregnancy. Keep in mind, there is also a significant possibility of later closure and obstruction of the vas even after a successful vasectomy reversal. So if you and your partner are prepared to go through IVF, then during the vasectomy reversal is a good opportunity for sperm banking,

For more information:
FAQ: How do time (vasectomy age) and other factors impact the vasectomy reversal success rate?
FAQ: When can the couple attempt to become pregnant?

Before undergoing your vasectomy reversal, ensure you have investigated sperm banking and discussed the subject with your significant other and your vasectomy reversal doctor. There are important implications to consider. Sperm banking means you are willing to undergo IVF should circumstances warrant this course of action. Sperm retrieval for sperm banking is best done during the vasectomy reversal.