How successful is pregnancy with sperm aspiration/IVF after vasectomy 20 years ago?

The options for you include not only aspiration and IVF but a reversal as well (with or without aspiration and freezing at the same time in case the reversal is not successful). One of the limitations to aspiration and IVF is that if you are not pregnant with that cycle, you have no chance the next month or the next month or the next month until you do another IVF cycle. The real conversation should always be about what maximizes your chances for pregnancy - with a reversal that is successful, you have a chance through natural means each and every single month - if you want to supplement that with an IVF cycle, that would be just fine. So, when couples select aspiration and IVF, they are limiting their options to just IVF. A good option for some, but it might not be the best option for most.

Hope this helps, Dr. Robert Oates
robertoatesmd.com

Published on Jul 11, 2012

This question is more appropriate asking a fertility expert. However, I will answer the vasectomy part. His age is not an issue here. And if he is not getting a reversal, that is even better. If he were getting reversal after 20 years, it is very likely it would be unsuccessful.

You have better chance of pregnancy with sperm aspiration and IVF as compared to reversal. However, please keep in mind your age and that fertility reduces quite significantly after 35 years and chances of congenital malformations increases with age. Having said this, I strongly recommend you consult a fertility expert if you are seriously considering pregnancy soon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012