Vasectomy Reversal in Ottawa
A vasectomy is a good form of birth control when you decide you no longer want to have children. If life has made you change your mind, it’s time to talk to a doctor about a vasectomy reversal at our Ottawa clinic to learn the options for you. The success of a vasovasostomy, the technical name for a vasectomy reversal, depends on the time lapse from the original vasectomy and how your body responded to the surgery.
Ottawa Clinic
29 Clemow Ave.
Ottawa, ON
K1S 2B1
Effective July 1st, 2026 – Temporary Relocation Notice
Our Ottawa office located on Clemow Avenue will be temporarily closed for renovations. During this period, and until further notice, all appointments will take place at: Ottawa Medical Group, 4289 Innes Rd, Orléans
What Happens During a Vasectomy Reversal?
In a vasectomy, the doctor cuts the pathway between the testes and urethra. You still produce sperm, but it can’t enter the seminal fluid. In a vasectomy reversal, the surgeon repairs that blockage using a microsurgical technique called a vasovasostomy. The two cut ends of the vas deferens are carefully reconnected under a high-powered operating microscope. The procedure does not require general anesthesia and is handled entirely in our outpatient setting.
Before your procedure:
- A private consultation with Dr. Bercier to review your medical history and vasectomy details
- A physical exam and, in some cases, a semen analysis
- Arrange for someone to drive you home, avoid alcohol/smoking beforehand, and plan for 2–3 days off work
During your procedure:
- Arrival and confirmation of pre-surgical instructions
- Sedation combined with local anesthesia — you’ll be relaxed but not fully unconscious
- The reversal itself typically takes 2–3 hours, followed by a short rest in our recovery room before you go home the same day
After your procedure:
- Mild discomfort, swelling, or bruising is normal in the first few days — manage with ice packs and over-the-counter pain relief
- Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and sexual activity for at least 2 weeks
- A first semen analysis is typically scheduled around 4 weeks post-surgery to check for the return of sperm
What Are the Success Rates of a Vasectomy Reversal?
Success can be measured in two ways: the patency rate the return of sperm to the semen, and the pregnancy rate, the ability to conceive with a partner. Based on medical literature, patency rates range from 50–98%, and pregnancy rates range from 15–70%, depending largely on how much time has passed since the original vasectomy and the surgical technique used. Many men who had their vasectomy 15–20 years ago still go on to achieve a natural pregnancy after a reversal, particularly under the care of an experienced microsurgeon.
