It has been several years since my vasectomy. If a reversal can’t be done can the sperm still be extracted directly and used for implantation?

Yes, they can but it would be very unusual if a vasectomy reversal could not be done. Success rates should be excellent.

Hope this helps,
Robert Oates MD (robertoatesmd.com)

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Yes, it can with a procedure called MESA (microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration). With this procedure, vials of sperm are frozen so that they can be used for more than one IVF cycle.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Yes, if your sperm production is still good, then sperm can be extracted. However, the extracted sperm do not work for inseminations, they must be used with IVF.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The quality of sperms disintegrate as time goes by, especially 10 years after a vasectomy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

In the hands of experienced microsurgeon reversal has over a 90% success rate even 15 years after vasectomy. Sperm can be extracted from the epididymis or testicle instead of reversal but that sperm can only be use for IVF with ICSI it can not be simply injected into the partner.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The length of time since the vadectomy should not effect the ability to extract sperm, either from the testicle or the epididymis.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

yes

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If it's been less than 10 years since your Vasectomy, the results of a vasectomy reversal are actually good.
Sperm can generally be harvested surgically in most cases,
But you must remember that harvested sperm can only be utilized in IVF/ICSI.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Yes, that can be done. The procedures are called Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) or Percutaneous Sperm Aspiration (PESA). In these procedures, either with a needle or small incision, sperm can be obtained from the testicles/epididymis. In general, the numbers of sperm are small and will need to be used for IVF (in Vitro Fertilization). Urologists with specializd training in Male Infertility will work in conjunction with a Fertility center to maximize the patients chances of success.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Yes, both options are available for most men including vasectomy reversal and sperm extraction combined with IVF.

Published on Jul 11, 2012