MYTH #1

"The urologist that performed the vasectomy has the skills and experience to do the vasectomy reversal"

This is FALSE. In fact, this is rarely correct. Almost any doctor is capable of performing a vasectomy which is a short and simple procedure that requires minimal training. A correctly performed vasectomy reversal, on the other hand, is a technically challenging 2 to 3 hour advanced precision microsurgery. This requires many years of experience and a level of skill that can only be perfected by expert microsurgeons. Of course, many doctors will gladly do a vas reversal, though often with substantially lower success and possibly higher risks for risks and complications.

MYTH #2

"Any doctor who says that they can perform a vas reversal will be able to 
achieve the highest success rates"

This is FALSE. We know that with any technically challenging skill and especially surgery, doctors who perform these procedures frequently over many years achieve much higher vasectomy reversal success rates with fewer problems than urologists who perform these procedures on an occasional basis. This is especially true for microsurgical vasectomy reversals. Just because the doctor says he can do something does not mean that he is usually able to achieve the highest success rates as compared to a true specialist. Knowing what to do simply does not guarantee that the doctor can do it well.

MYTH #3

"Going to a vasectomy reversal doctor near me is more important than success rates"

This is usually FALSE.
 If there is a true, top-rated microsurgical vas reversal specialist nearby in the community in 2024, then the patient is fortunate. Most do not. It is smart to think about the momentary inconvenience of travel vs. the chances for a successful vas reversal. How important is the convenience of the vas reversal nearby if the reverse vasectomy does not work or there are serious complications? Most people understand that it’s worth the time and effort to seek out the highest quality microsurgeon with the highest success artes and the fewest complications for the vasectomy reversal.

For many couples, travel is often necessary to get the highest vasectomy reversal success rates. Many patients, including many doctors and nurses, understand this and that is why the Mayo Clinic, the Cleveland Clinic, Stanford, Harvard, UCLA and Johns Hopkins are so busy providing all types of care for patients who travel from around the world. (By the way, a senior Mayo administrator did his research and came to ICVR.) There is a reason that most of our patients travel to ICVR from every state in the US and from more than 85 countries around the world.

MYTH #4

"Vasectomy reversals cannot work because of anti-sperm antibodies that damage sperm"

This is FALSE. Time and time again, we hear this misinformation from “experts” who say that vas reversals cannot work because of anti-sperm antibodies. Here’s the truth – it is normal for men to develop anti-sperm antibodies at the time of the vasectomy. But for the vast majority, these antibodies are of no significance, do not interfere with fertility and often fade down to normal levels below 40%. We presented important research at an international fertility conference showing the anti-sperm antibodies are not a problem and rarely impact on fertility after vasectomy reversal. We even have patients that had 100% antibodies and still fathered several children naturally without difficulty. Most vas reversal experts will tell you that any doctor that tries to persuade patients out of having a vas reversal by talking about the “antibodies problem”or other variations of the bad sperm theory is not providing accurate, up-to-date information.

MYTH #5

"All doctors that perform vas reversals have similar success rates"

This is FALSE. Many doctors would like everyone to believe that they can offer the same high success rates as ICVR, up to 99.5%. This high success can only be acgieved by a small number of top tier true vas reversal microsurgeons. Some doctors are happy with a lower 60% to  90% reverse vasectomy success rates. I have been told by some patients that there are doctors who avoid the subject and won’t even talk about success or they tell prospective patients that their vas reversal success rates are not relevant. Of course, as with everything in life, some people do things better than others. The same is true with a microsurgical vas reversal.

It is so important that each couple find the doctor that is best for them with the highest success rate possible, realizing that the surgeon that is selected will probably make the difference as to whether or not the vasectomy reversal will be a success. Many men incorrectly assume that the doctor they were referred to must be good at vas reversals. This is again just not true. Most primary care doctors and even many urologists do not understand who is a top rated vas reversal doctor and why. And many doctors that perform reverse vasectomies are not trained or understand the importance of continued and regular monitoring of results with close aftercare. We encourage every patient considering a vas reversal to do their own research to find the leading true expert that best fits their needs.

MYTH #6

"It is wise to select a vasectomy reversal doctor based on cost"

This is FALSE. Of course, cost is important. But so are results. How much was saved if the patient had a serious complication or the vas reversal was a failure? We think that it is smart to think of the vasectomy reversal cost as an investment in achieving a couple’s dreams. What does each patient get for that cost? Does the doctor provide the very highest level of care and the most advanced precision, personalized vas reversal at an affordable price? What is the doctor's success rate for a vasectomy reversal? It is smart for most couples to find the doctors that will provide the highest vas reversal success rates and then consider cost.

MYTH #7

"IVF is as cost-effective as a vasectomy reversal with similar risks"

This is FALSE on many levels. Study after study confirms that the most cost-effective way to restore fertility in 2024 after a vasectomy is with a correctly performed microsurgical vasectomy reversal. In fact, some fertility experts are concerned that too many people are being misdirected directly to IVF.