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Docteur Jean-Philippe Bercier BSc, MD, CCFP

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Is Vasectomy Reversal Safe?

We Want to Have a Baby – Is Vasectomy Reversal a Safe Option?

A vasectomy is a common procedure for men who are done having children. If your circumstances change and you decide you want to father a child again, you might be wondering about a vasectomy reversal. Keep in mind that after a vasectomy, you still produce sperm. Although reversals aren’t as common as vasectomies, it is an option if you’ve changed your mind and want to have a baby with your loved one.

What Happens in a Vasectomy Reversal?

When you had your vasectomy, the doctor cut the vas deferens to prevent sperm from mixing with semen. The most common vasectomy reversal is the vasovasostomy, in which the two ends of the vas deferens are reconnected. When there is scarring from the original vasectomy, it might be difficult to reconnect the two ends successfully. The doctor can then perform a vasoepididymostomy, which connects the epididymis to the vas deferens. It’s a more technical surgery when the vasovasostomy is not possible.

How Hard is it to Recover from a Vasectomy Reversal?

A vasectomy reversal is an in-office procedure. You’ll go home the same day of the procedure. Typically, most men don’t experience more pain than the original vasectomy. You will need to take it easy for 5 to 14 days following the reversal, which is longer than you needed for the vasectomy. You should plan to avoid heavy lifting and sexual intercourse for four weeks after the reversal. Vasectomy reversals are a safe procedure that have few risks.

How Successful is Vasectomy Reversal?

Vasectomy reversals have a good success rate. In our office, about 85% of men report sperm recovery. The less time since the vasectomy, the higher rate of success. If the vasectomy was three years ago or less, we have a 97% success rate. For vasectomies older than 14 years, our success rate is 69%. Vasectomy reversals are generally performed with the end goal of a pregnancy. Because there are so many factors that affect pregnancy, it can be difficult to determine the success rate of pregnancies following a vasectomy reversal.

If you’re thinking about a vasectomy reversal, make an appointment with Dr. Bercier to get more information about the procedure and to discuss your medical history and overall health.



READ OUR REVIEWS

Rob CarterRob Carter
21:19 02 Aug 23
Had my vasectomy performed by Dr Dumais, who has taken over for Dr Weiss who has since retired. She was absolutely excellent. Great bedside manner, clear explanations of what was happening and any potential discomfort that might be felt during each step. Entire procedure from freezing to finish took under 10 minutes.Before beginning Dr Bercier confirmed my age (31), that I had no children, and that I was 100% certain I never wanted to have any (and that my partner felt the same way). She reiterated that while surgical reversal is sometimes possible, the procedure should be considered permanent.Nurses/office staff were friendly and efficient. Got up from the table a bit too quick and ended up sitting down in the chair and fainting. They were right on top of things and immediately went into their usual routine for when those things happen. We had a little chuckle about it, and at no point did it feel weird or judgemental which I very much appreciated.A couple of other notes based on some things mentioned in a few other reviews here:- Total out of pocket fees are $170, consisting of a $20 deposit and $150 on the day of the procedure. Those costs are detailed in the attached photo of the “Pre and Post Vasectomy Kit”. As detailed on the page patients can choose to pay only for the specific items/services they want, and they also give you a week post-procedure to request a refund and pay only for the needed items. This information is not provided anywhere before going in, so most will just pay the $170 and be done with it. While some of these costs are certainly quite highly inflated, they do help make up for the fairly minimal compensation the clinic receives from OHIP for each procedure.- Website is a bit of a mess, although most of the important bits are easy to find (and all the most important info is attached to the emails you’ll get). Specifically one thing they have changed is that you do *not* need to travel to the office to pick up your vasectomy package before the procedure! You are given it after your appointment just before leaving.- To the few complaining about pain/discomfort lasting more than the first week and “not being made aware of the risks”… did you not bother to fully read through the documentation available both on the website as well as repeatedly sent to you in the emails? All of the risks and rates of various complications are explicitly laid out in advance. Every body is different, and there is a small chance of a variety of complications. Choosing to ignore the provided information and then complaining that you wouldn’t have gone through with it if you knew is just ridiculous.One last recommendation for the doctors here: I highly recommend investing the few thousand dollars towards having a professional web design company re-build you a new website from the ground up. The current site is a mess, particularly on modern phones, and this is something that will radically improve the patient experience.
Gaignun KukaiGaignun Kukai
03:43 18 Jul 23
Dr. Valerie Dumois did my vasectomy, and she was really quite kind willing to answer questions. It was for the most part painless and the pain you feel is minimal. Reception was also pretty great they answered all my questions to male sire I heal properly. Was great meeting them all and doing it the modern way or a scalpel and needle is definitely in every males favour. Thank you so much for being such great people
Garlic Jr.Garlic Jr.
18:19 06 Jul 23
Half an hour to my appointment they told me to wait outside(35 degrees celcius) until exactly my appointment. Dr. Bercier if you can call him a doctor had the most rude and disrespectful attitude I've had from a doctor. I asked him three questions to which he said he didn't care. During the procedure I simply asked how long does it take and he replied with "How long do you think it takes? Did you see me with the other patients?" I think his attitude was racially motivated because I'm not French. Don't come here! Go somewhere else!
BongoBongo
19:58 19 Jun 23
Great clinic, 5 stars all around. Leading up to the appointment they provide you with fantastic information that explains everything in detail. Great communication, super organized, friendly and professional. Everyone from reception, to the nurse, to the doctor - all were pleasant, efficient, and professional. It was a huge piece of mind. The doctor played my choice of music during the procedure. It was practically painless, with only minor discomfort for a brief moment, and it was quick. I am now recovering comfortably with very detailed instructions about how to enhance my recovery. Thank you Dr. Weiss and Dr. Bercier! Highly recommend.
Louis KearnsLouis Kearns
16:14 28 Apr 23
Marc BourgonMarc Bourgon
17:45 11 May 22
The process of getting my vasectomy was quite efficient. From walking in the office door to sitting down in my car again was only 20 minutes. The staff was very friendly in greeting you and providing instructions and Dr. Bercier was pleasant to deal with, friendly and gentle. Dare I say the experience was enjoyable! Any trepidation one has about the procedure, don’t worry! Thanks to all.
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