VASECTOMY REVERSAL
WHY DR. KOVAC?
As the most experienced microsurgeon in the Midwest, Dr. Kovac has a great reputation for not only surgical excellence but also quality aftercare. With continued follow-ups until conception occurs, Dr. Kovac uses multiple medications and management strategies that yield improved outcomes.
Having one of the highest volume of cases performed amongst all vasectomy reversal surgeons, Dr. Kovac has dealt with all surgical situations and has the skills to quickly, efficiently and effectively with any surgical situations that may present themselves.
If you’ve experienced a change of heart after undergoing a vasectomy, there is hope !
Contrary to popular belief, a vasectomy can be reversed. During your vasectomy, the tube carrying sperm was blocked by a variety of different strategies. A vasectomy reversal removes this blockage. It is a delicate microsurgical procedure where the tube carrying the sperm is re-connected; restoring natural fertility.
There are two types of surgery that make up a vasectomy reversal:
1. A ‘vasovasostomy’
2. A ‘vaso-epididymostomy’
The only time the surgeon can decide between these two options is during your surgery, not before. While your surgical experience between these two distinct procedures is identical, both have to be considered.
Common Questions
How long does the surgery take? The operation is scheduled for 3.5 hours but commonly takes between 2.5-3 hours. It is scheduled for a longer time to allow for all options to be considered and for the proper time, consideration and care to be given to each individual patient.
I live far from Indianapolis, can I do a phone/video consultation? Due to his reputation, Dr. Kovac typically sees patients from across the country so a phone/video consultation is the standard. A physical exam is conducted prior to all surgeries to ensure that it is safe to proceed.
Do I need to do anything before the surgery? Typically no other investigations are required. However, each case is unique. For example, if you are on testosterone therapy or do not have any children, hormone testing may be conducted to check your sperm production capabilities.
Am I awake, or asleep for the surgery? Dr. Kovac typically performs the surgeries while you are asleep. This has consistently yielded the best outcomes since it allows for the proper amount of time to be taken to complete the procedure.
What are the costs of a vasectomy reversal? Currently, a repair under anesthesia (i.e. “asleep”) costs around $7500. This includes the cost for the surgery, the anesthesia and the facility. A deposit is required to book your surgery date.
What are my chances at success? Since arriving in Indiana, without a doubt, Dr. Kovac has the largest volume of surgical experience in the Midwest. Over the past 10 years, he typically performs around 100 vasectomy reversal procedures per year. In cases where the man is less than 5 years away from his vasectomy, success rates are around 98%. From around 5-10 years Dr. Kovac’s success rates are around 95%. Greater than 10 years, success rates can rage from 80-95% depending on the type of surgery performed.
What about alternative modes of assisted reproduction? IUI, or intra-uterine insemination, is an acceptable option in couples with around 10 million sperm in their ejaculate. This can only be accomplished after a vasectomy through first performing a successful vasectomy reversal. In-vitro fertilization (IVF), is an option that costs around $25,000 however only a few sperm are required for success. In men with vasectomy, sperm would still need to be extracted through a separate procedure. Dr. Kovac has experiencing working with all the reproductive practices in Indiana to help you achieve all your fertility goals.
What's the recovery process after a vasectomy reversal? Since vasectomy reversal is so minimally invasive, men are allowed to go home that same day. Due to the delicate nature of the procedure, it's generally recommended that all patients ‘take it easy’ during the first 48-72 hours with their feet elevated and intermittent icing. All patients should wear supportive underwear like athletic shorts or a jock strap for a week after the surgery. Patients are to abstain from sex and avoid any lifting over 10 lbs for the two weeks following surgery. After those two weeks, most couples are cleared to start ‘trying’ again for pregnancy. Approximately 20 ejaculations over the next 4-6 weeks should be attempted. Following this, at around 8-12 weeks after your surgery, Dr. Kovac will test your ejaculate to see if sperm is present.
Will this change how sex feels or my erections? No, vasectomy reversal should not alter the sensation of sex or orgasm in any way and actually allows for couples to achieve pregnancy in the most natural way possible.