California Vasectomy
& Reversal Center
& Reversal Center
| Pregnancy after Vasectomy Reversal |
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Pregnancy after vasectomy reversal
Most couples will get pregnant after a successful vasectomy reversal. In fact, the
reported pregnancy rate is approximately 65%. The natural pregnancy rate of couples
trying to conceive who have not had a vasectomy reversal is only 80-85%. The
remaining 15-20% of couples will have difficulty achieving a pregnancy with a male
factor involved in half of cases and a female factor involved in the other half. It is
important that any couple trying to conceive should have a female evaluation to
optimize the success of pregnancy after a vasectomy reversal. A vasectomy reversal
surgeon who is also a male infertility specialist can help the couple who is having
difficulty achieving a pregnancy after a vasectomy reversal.
Anti-Sperm Antibodies (ASA)
Anti-sperm antibodies (ASA) are a controversial cause of infertility in the vasectomy
reversal patient. It is true that they exist and, in fact, 100% of men will have ASA after a
vasectomy and vasectomy reversal. However, their exact significance is still debated in
the literature since 65% of couples will achieve a pregnancy after the procedure
despite the universal presence of ASA. The exact location of the binding of the ASA to
the sperm has also been reported to determine the degree in infertility. Specialized
testing can help determine the type of ASA present after the vasectomy reversal.
Varicoceles
Varicoceles, or varicose veins around the testicles, are the most common cause of
male infertility problems. They can be an isolated problem or contributing to other
identifiable causes. Varicoceles are found in 40% of men presenting to an infertility
clinic. These dilated veins are damaged and allow the testicles to become overheated,
reflux metabolites and cause congestion. Varicoceles are also progressive lesions. If
left untreated they can become problematic in future pregnancy attempts. Varicoceles
are effectively treated with microsurgical varicocelectomy. Click on our link to learn
more about varicoceles and their treatment.
* AUA guidelines for treatment of varicoceles
* Surgical Treatment of Varicoceles / Varicocelectomy
Diet
Patients often wonder if there are any dietary modifications that can improve their
sperm count and quality or, more importantly, if any dietary habits could be hindering
normal sperm production. There is research to suggest that certain supplements
such as vitamin E, fructose and acetyl-L-carnitine are beneficial to sperm when taken
at recommended doses because of their anti-oxidant and nutritional properties. Other
less studied ingredients include zinc, arginine, and vitamins C and B-12. These
nutrients are the basis for many of the commercially available fertility blend
supplements. However, it isn't necessary to over-pay for these commercial
supplements when equivalent generic forms are available at virtually every health store.
Soy based milk and products are becoming increasingly popular, especially for
lactose-intolerant individuals. They provide good nutrition and are considered healthy
alternatives for milk products. However, all soy-based products contain weak
estrogens (genistein and daidzein) which can negatively impact sperm quality. Recent
human and animal studies have shown that when these substances are given at
doses equivalent to human consumption they will cause the sperm to prematurely
undergo capacitation and the acrosome reaction.(Fraser, Human Reproduction, 2006)
This will essentially make sperm unable to fertilize an egg. Avoiding soy based
products while trying to conceive is recommended.
Hormones
Hormones are an integral part of any infertility evaluation. Normal hormonal levels are
important for normal sperm production. When abnormal, they can be an indication of
other more significant problems. Correction of any hormonal abnormality is essential
for a successful natural pregnancy.
Infection/Inflammation
Previous infection such as epididymitis, prostatitis or a sexually transmitted disease
can be a contributing factor to male factor infertility. Patients can develop scarring and
obstruction leading to very low sperm counts or sperm with low motility. This can be
diagnosed and treated if identified. Additionally, unwanted inflammation in the
reproductive tract can hinder normal sperm function and fertilization. Additional testing
may be required to diagnose this problem. It can be the result of previous infection or
increased sperm turnover secondary to another problem such as varicocele. Medical
therapy exists for treating infection and inflammation. Other therapies may be indicated
to treat the underlying problem leading to infection/inflammation.
Ejaculatory Dysfunction
Even when sperm production is normal, there can be a functional problem with getting
the sperm where it needs to be at the time your wife is ovulating. This can be due to
Retrograde Ejaculation or Anejaculation which can manifest itself as a normal or low
semen volume. We commonly see this condition in patients with Diabetes Mellitus,
Spinal Cord Injury, Neurologic Diseases, Previous Abdominal/Pelvic Surgery or
Surgery for Testicular Cancer. This condition is easily treated with medication or a
simple procedure.
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (Miscarriage)
Recurrent miscarriages can be the result of sperm chromosome abnormalities which
prior to today went undiagnosed. We now know that most cases of miscarriage are
due to abnormalities of a small set of chromosomes (13, 18, 21, X, Y). These
chromosomal abnormalities of sperm can now be evaluated to give the couple a better
understanding of the reason for the miscarriage and treatment options can be
discussed to avoid future miscarriages.
reported pregnancy rate is approximately 65%. The natural pregnancy rate of couples
trying to conceive who have not had a vasectomy reversal is only 80-85%. The
remaining 15-20% of couples will have difficulty achieving a pregnancy with a male
factor involved in half of cases and a female factor involved in the other half. It is
important that any couple trying to conceive should have a female evaluation to
optimize the success of pregnancy after a vasectomy reversal. A vasectomy reversal
surgeon who is also a male infertility specialist can help the couple who is having
difficulty achieving a pregnancy after a vasectomy reversal.
Anti-Sperm Antibodies (ASA)
Anti-sperm antibodies (ASA) are a controversial cause of infertility in the vasectomy
reversal patient. It is true that they exist and, in fact, 100% of men will have ASA after a
vasectomy and vasectomy reversal. However, their exact significance is still debated in
the literature since 65% of couples will achieve a pregnancy after the procedure
despite the universal presence of ASA. The exact location of the binding of the ASA to
the sperm has also been reported to determine the degree in infertility. Specialized
testing can help determine the type of ASA present after the vasectomy reversal.
Varicoceles
Varicoceles, or varicose veins around the testicles, are the most common cause of
male infertility problems. They can be an isolated problem or contributing to other
identifiable causes. Varicoceles are found in 40% of men presenting to an infertility
clinic. These dilated veins are damaged and allow the testicles to become overheated,
reflux metabolites and cause congestion. Varicoceles are also progressive lesions. If
left untreated they can become problematic in future pregnancy attempts. Varicoceles
are effectively treated with microsurgical varicocelectomy. Click on our link to learn
more about varicoceles and their treatment.
* AUA guidelines for treatment of varicoceles
* Surgical Treatment of Varicoceles / Varicocelectomy
Diet
Patients often wonder if there are any dietary modifications that can improve their
sperm count and quality or, more importantly, if any dietary habits could be hindering
normal sperm production. There is research to suggest that certain supplements
such as vitamin E, fructose and acetyl-L-carnitine are beneficial to sperm when taken
at recommended doses because of their anti-oxidant and nutritional properties. Other
less studied ingredients include zinc, arginine, and vitamins C and B-12. These
nutrients are the basis for many of the commercially available fertility blend
supplements. However, it isn't necessary to over-pay for these commercial
supplements when equivalent generic forms are available at virtually every health store.
Soy based milk and products are becoming increasingly popular, especially for
lactose-intolerant individuals. They provide good nutrition and are considered healthy
alternatives for milk products. However, all soy-based products contain weak
estrogens (genistein and daidzein) which can negatively impact sperm quality. Recent
human and animal studies have shown that when these substances are given at
doses equivalent to human consumption they will cause the sperm to prematurely
undergo capacitation and the acrosome reaction.(Fraser, Human Reproduction, 2006)
This will essentially make sperm unable to fertilize an egg. Avoiding soy based
products while trying to conceive is recommended.
Hormones
Hormones are an integral part of any infertility evaluation. Normal hormonal levels are
important for normal sperm production. When abnormal, they can be an indication of
other more significant problems. Correction of any hormonal abnormality is essential
for a successful natural pregnancy.
Infection/Inflammation
Previous infection such as epididymitis, prostatitis or a sexually transmitted disease
can be a contributing factor to male factor infertility. Patients can develop scarring and
obstruction leading to very low sperm counts or sperm with low motility. This can be
diagnosed and treated if identified. Additionally, unwanted inflammation in the
reproductive tract can hinder normal sperm function and fertilization. Additional testing
may be required to diagnose this problem. It can be the result of previous infection or
increased sperm turnover secondary to another problem such as varicocele. Medical
therapy exists for treating infection and inflammation. Other therapies may be indicated
to treat the underlying problem leading to infection/inflammation.
Ejaculatory Dysfunction
Even when sperm production is normal, there can be a functional problem with getting
the sperm where it needs to be at the time your wife is ovulating. This can be due to
Retrograde Ejaculation or Anejaculation which can manifest itself as a normal or low
semen volume. We commonly see this condition in patients with Diabetes Mellitus,
Spinal Cord Injury, Neurologic Diseases, Previous Abdominal/Pelvic Surgery or
Surgery for Testicular Cancer. This condition is easily treated with medication or a
simple procedure.
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (Miscarriage)
Recurrent miscarriages can be the result of sperm chromosome abnormalities which
prior to today went undiagnosed. We now know that most cases of miscarriage are
due to abnormalities of a small set of chromosomes (13, 18, 21, X, Y). These
chromosomal abnormalities of sperm can now be evaluated to give the couple a better
understanding of the reason for the miscarriage and treatment options can be
discussed to avoid future miscarriages.