Several times a month a patient, who has had a vasectomy reversal, will drop off a specimen to see if there are any sperm present. This evaluation takes just a minute to do. If sperm is present it means that the reversal mechanically is open and has been successful. This evaluation however doesn’t count the sperm, that would require a full semen analysis which is done through the hospital lab and quantitates the actual number of sperm present.
For the purposes of seeing if the reversal “worked or not” the in office check for sperm is sufficient. If there are no sperm and it has been three months post reversal this may either means that reversal is not open but probably more likely that the testicles have not “picked up the ball” and started producing sperm yet. It can take four to twelve months for the sperm to be produced in numbers sufficient for conception. The time to producing sperm by the testicles post vasectomy is large part dependent on the interval between the vasectomy and the reversal.
It is always a “drum roll” moment when the specimen is dropped off for me to evaluate and always rewarding to see sperm moving about so excited to be set free and get to work.
The following is not a post reversal sample but it shows what you want to see in the ejaculate after a reversal. It is also interesting how the maker of the video created the project.
Want to schedule a vasectomy reversal phone consultation? Call 770-535-000 or use the contact form below. We respond to contact forms on weekends!
Vasectomy Reversal: Helping couples with the precious addition to their family.
Athens, GA Vasectomy Reversal. Dr. McHugh is a board certified urologist who has practiced in Gainesville, Georgia for over 25 years. He is one of the Southeast’s most experienced urologist performing no scalpel vasectomy and microscopic vasectomy reversal. He utilizes a Zeiss operating microscope with microscopic instruments and suture, in his practice owned and accredited urological surgery center with anesthesia provided by board certified anesthesiologists. Over 500 microscopic reversals have been performed in our surgery center since 2008.
This state licensed facility is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc. and hence is equipped to perform a microscopic vasectomy reversal with anesthesia.
Since one of the largest impediments to the couple desiring a vasectomy reversal is cost, having our own facility both streamlines the process and minimizes the cost. Not having to go to a hospital makes the procedure more efficient for the patient and makes it is much more cost effective and affordable.
The vasectomy reversal patient can take comfort in knowing that the urologist and the anesthesiologist are board certified physicians and that the procedure is performed with microscopic instrumentation in an accredited facility.
Because a vasectomy reversal is usually not covered by insurance, the patient usually pays an all inclusive fee to the surgeon. This fee covers all of the components of having a surgical procedure such as:
The fee of the surgeon to perform the reversal.
The facility fee which includes the cost of the nurses and staffing, the facility (operating room), suture materials and the operating microscope, the anesthesiologist and the anesthesia supplies necessary to put a patient to sleep.
The cost of overnight accommodations (if necessary).
At Northeast Georgia Urological Associates our facility is accredited and owned by our practice which in turn allows our all inclusive vasectomy reversal fee to be much less than if a hospital were used. Our anesthesiologists are board certified as well as Dr. McHugh.
The all inclusive cost for a microscopic vasectomy reversal at the Northeast Georgia Ambulatory Surgery Center is $7,200.00 and includes board certified anesthesia. Considering the facility where the procedure is performed, the safety and confidence in knowing there will be board certified physicians managing your care and the experience of the surgeon-we believe our all inclusive fee represents the most cost effective vasectomy reversal in Georgia.
Call 770.535.0000 or email: jmchugh@gavasectomyreversal.com for more information or to schedule a free consultation. CareCredit is an option for couples preferring to pay with a medical credit card.
After asking about cost, the most common question which the couple seeking information about a vasectomy reversal is, “What is the success rate?” This question is tricky and the answer is, ” Well it depends.” When one inquires about success there are several factors to take into account and the particulars of each will vary from patient to patient. There are three primary factors that are important in the success of a vas reversal. In addition to these factors one must also remember that there are variables that pertain to the female. In other words, if everything has been done right and the male’s factors are maximized, there is still the possibility that there may be an issue of the female that will thwart pregnancy.
Important Success Factors
The three factors that must be understood by the couple having a vas reversal are: The number of years since the vasectomy was performed, patency (are there sperm in the ejaculate after the reversal), and achieving pregnancy. In general the closer you are to having had a vasectomy the better your chances of patency and pregnancy. Vasectomy Reversal Success Rate:
Less than 3 years Patency 97% Pregnancy 76%
3-8 years Patency 88% Pregnancy 53%
9-14 years Patency 79% Pregnancy 44%
Greater than 15 years Patency 71% Pregnancy 30%
Belker AM, et al. Results of 1,469 microsurgical vasectomy reversals by the Vasovasostomy Study Group. Journal of Urology 1991; 145(3):505-11.
So you see the answer to the question, “What is the success rate?” is a complicated one. If the male after a vas reversal has sperm in his ejaculate, that does not necessarily mean that the couple will achieve pregnancy. The time it takes for sperm to regain its former motility varies as well. Then of course as a backdrop to all of these issues are the normal impediments to pregnancy that all couples face. This is why in the chart above you see the disparity between patent and pregnant.
Using an operating microscope, suture the size of hair (9-0 Nylon) is used to align the lumen of the vas tubes. Dr. McHugh uses the Modified Two-Layer technique. The first layer joins both the outside of the vas and the lumen (the channel that carries the sperm).
The second layer of this method of performing the vasectomy reversal joins the outside of each of the vas tubes. This method provides for both the proper alignment of the lumen as well as support of the repair ensuring a tension free anastomosis. Studies have shown that this technique has similar success rates as other methods which take longer to perform and can incur a greater expense. A total of 12-14 sutures are placed on each side. The procedure generally lasts two hours and the entire time at our facility is usually around 3 hours.
“Dr. McHugh is incredible. Wonderfully personable and terrific bedside manner. Made me feel comfortable through the entire process while maintaining the highest form of professionalism. Highly recommend!” JS
The vast majority of our patients are from outside of the Gainesville area. For patients requiring an overnight stay, accommodations at one of Gainesville’s hotels are included in our all inclusive price.
Click picture below to see a Reversal Slide Show with explanatory notes.
” I was one of Dr McHughs patients about 1 year ago. I was emailing to let you all know the operation was a success. We now have a one week old baby boy. Thank you all for everything! ” D.C.
A Reversal “Thumbs Up!”
Kalani was born December 31, 2022 at home under the care of a midwife and nurse at 8:11 pm. It was magical as the fireworks from the New Years celebrations exploded outside along the Florida coastline on a foggy sort of mystical night. Our boys are so in love with their baby sister!
No need to test a specimen…We’re Pregnant!
Atlanta GA Vasectomy Reversal Success! Thank you picture and congratulations!
Vasectomy Reversal Success
Cooper Knox
Vasectomy Reversal Success!
Thanks for coming by the office with the blessed news…on your way home from the hospital! Congratulations.
Blessed vasectomy reversal success!
“Seven months after the vasectomy we were expecting our new daughter. We cannot thank the practice enough and highly recommend them!”
Our little Pumpkin!
Dr. McHugh, my husband had his vasectomy reversed 10/7/21 and we had our sweet baby girl 9/29/22!! Here’s some pictures of our beautiful girl. H.S.
Wonderful Addition!
Vasectomy Reversal
Thank you so much for my husband’s successful reversal that you performed in October 2021. We found out we were expecting in the beginning of January and our son was born on September 7th.
Jen and Kristafur
Thankful for Dr. McHugh’s talent and the whole experience!
Dr. McHugh is very thorough and answered any questions we had prior to surgery. His team was very kind and thorough post surgery as well, following up via phone and email to be sure my husband had the best recovery he could. Our chances for conceiving were less than 50% and we just had our daughter a month before the one year mark from surgery. Leanna T. September 2022
“A beautiful gift from God”
Thank you for the 5 Star Vasectomy Reviews.
Vasectomy Reversal: 0 Sperm to 66 Million!
Reversal easier than the vasectomy? Thank you!
Reversal success times two!
We try to make it “fun!”
“Dr. McHugh is loads of fun. Really nice guy. Excellent staff. Easy, short, and (mostly) painless procedure. Great practice here.” D.D.
Thank you so much for the positive feedback. Enjoyed comparing “Beatles Trivia!” I hope you do well. John McHugh
Happy result in Tennessee!
This is Shawn and Jayna Porter. We are writing to let you all know that surgery was a success and we’d like to send you all pictures of our new addition! Harper Quinn Porter.
Thank you back!
Dr. McHugh and his wonderful staff are without a doubt the best in the industry.
“You and your staff were wonderful! I love the relaxed and laid back atmosphere that y’all provided especially the Music! Definitely helped my anxiety. Thank you.”
Blessing after ten year successful vasectomy reversal!
I appreciate everyone’s friendliness and kindness during the multiple office visits and surgery center procedure. Thank you for the good care you gave me!
P.H.
Even after a miscarriage, with time, prayers and of course a great surgeon we now have a healthy 7lbs 2oz baby boy! Thank you.
After extensive research, we found that the technique performed by Dr. McHugh was the best fit for us. It was the least invasive, and offered the fastest recovery. Dr. McHugh & his team delivered a high caliber of service & comfort for me, & I am extremely thankful for his practice.
Naomi was born just 12 months after having my surgery, & we couldn’t be happier with our newest addition!
R.P.
Thank you Dr. McHugh and staff!
Welcome…Ella Grace.
Success!
Thanks for dropping by!
What a delightful surprise!
Dr. McHugh is the best! Our family was also blessed by his surgical expertise.
Fantastic bedside manner, office and surgical staff were top notch. This coming from a nurse of 12 years. I was never nervous or uncomfortable. (Microscopic Vasectomy Reversal)
Stephen
Thank you!
I had my vasectomy reversal in February 2018 and my wife got pregnant in May 2018, only 3 months later! The service and attention received before, during and after the procedure was excellent. The team was very warm and super easy to work with.
My wife and I are happy to announce that we are now expecting in March of 2020. This wouldn’t be possible without Dr. McHugh and his amazing staff! Thank y’all!
We are happy to report that we are pregnant! Thank you to all of you who participated in our care, especially Dr. McHugh. We are so pleased and excited.
With time, prayers and of course a great surgeon we now have a healthy baby boy! Thank you!
Twice as Nice!
My husband asked questions ahead of time and from friends that previously had the procedure. He felt confident going in and completely comfortable during the procedure. Highly recommend them.
Dr. McHugh is the one you should see. We HIGHLY recommend him! Thank you so much again to him and all of his staff. INCREDIBLE!
Pretty in Pink
Another happy reversal result!
Matt Babcock
2023-09-12
As someone who battles anxiety (especially around medical stuff), the idea of a vasectomy was unpleasant to say the least. At my initial consult, Dr. McHugh addressed my anxiety immediately and reassured me with a very clear picture of what to expect as well as options to ease my nerves on the day of the procedure. I ended up electing to receive nitrous (laughing gas) in addition to some anxiety medication to take prior to arriving. From the moment I walked in the door on the day of, the staff were beyond friendly, caring, and efficient. They even let me select music to listen to during the procedure. It was evident that Dr. McHugh and his staff genuinely cared about me and making the procedure as comfortable as possible according to my specific needs. It could not have been a better experience!
Bobby Tate
2023-09-10
Great experience with Dr.McHugh and staff perfectly orchestrated from initial consultation to procedure. Highly recommend.
Alex Torres
2023-09-09
Staff and procedure went effortless
The Energy Hero
2023-09-05
The best doctor for vasectomy in the business! Dr McHugh and his team made this process comfortable from start to finish. They are very caring and professional. I would highly recommend this office when you decide to get the snip snip.
jamie carver
2023-09-05
Great experience from beginning to end.
Jason Sutton
2023-09-04
Amazing and professional staff. They provided a lot of information regarding the procedure and recovery. No surprises beforehand or afterwards. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a vasectomy.
todd marcum
2023-08-31
Simply amazing, very professional ,friendly and sincere.The procedure was painless and very fast.Thank you for an awesome experience.
Cody Garrison
2023-08-28
Would definitely recommend to anyone needing a vasectomy or vasectomy reversal. Dr. McHugh and his staff are very professional and take the utmost care of their patients. After my surgery I was contacted twice by Dr. McHugh’s office just checking in on me. I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to have more children, and I look forward to sharing pictures of a successful vasectomy reversal.
Jason Walton
2023-08-26
My experience was great, every step was quick and easy. The entire staff was very friendly and helpful, made the process much smoother. I would definitely recommend anyone considering a vasectomy to chose to go here.
Shawn Zagarella
2023-08-21
I give the whole experience a 10/10. Everything from start to finish was excellent, and the whole staff is comforting. I wouldn't recommend anyone else other than Dr. McHugh and his team.
Vasectomy Reversal
