Vasectomy & Vasectomy Reversal

Vasectomy is a quick procedure that stops sperm from mixing with semen. Sperm travel through two tiny tubes called the vas deferens—from the testicles to where semen is made. In a vasectomy, a urologist makes small openings in the skin of the scrotum, finds each vas deferens, and then blocks them (by cutting and sealing, tying, or using clips). You still make semen and ejaculate normally, but it no longer carries sperm.

A vasectomy reversal reconnects those same tubes so sperm can travel again. Through small incisions, the surgeon uses a microscope to precisely stitch the cut ends of the vas deferens back together (vasovasostomy). If the pathway closer to the testicle is blocked, they may connect the vas deferens directly to the epididymis, the coiled storage tube where sperm mature (vasoepididymostomy). The goal is to rebuild a clear path so sperm can rejoin semen and potentially allow pregnancy with intercourse.

The wait time for a public vasectomy is usually under 1-2 months. But many men choose private options for speed relative to cost, as vasectomies range between $700 to $2,000.

Vasectomy reversals are not generally covered under public insurance, as they are considered elective, so must be done privately.

Shorter wait times

• Instead of waiting months for consults and OR time, private clinics can schedule within weeks—so you move on sooner with family planning or get back to normal intimacy and routines.

Choice and control

• Pick a urologist with high-volume experience in vasectomy or microsurgical reversal (vasovasostomy/vasoepididymostomy).
• Choose the clinic location and dates that fit work, travel, and partner schedules.

Peace of mind

• You know who’s operating and when, the anesthetic plan, and the exact steps. This certainty lowers stress and helps arrange childcare, time off, and support.

1. ‍Confirm your decsion. Discuss with your partner and take a long time to consider the decision, as reversals don't always work and the reversal cost is significant.
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2. Research. Explore urologists who specialize in vasectomies/reversals.
   • You can find urologists in Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Toronto, Ontario; and Montréal, Québec on our app, and review qualifications, as well as pricing.
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3. Schedule an initial consultation. Most urologists offer in-clinic and online consults.
   
   • Consultations are usually booked within days or a few weeks.
   • Note: expect a consultation fee between $150 - $350.
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4. Consultation. The surgeon will review your condition, symptoms, and any previous treatments or diagnostics, such as x-rays or MRIs.
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5. ‍Post consultation. The surgeon will then review your case and provide surgical options based on your needs; review the risks and expected outcomes; and present pricing and scheduling options.
   
   • Because the procedure is not covered by your provincial health plan when done privately, you’ll need to review the quoted cost and consider payment options (out-of-pocket, private insurance, or financing).
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6. Schedule your surgery date. Once you confirm the procedure and payment, the clinic will schedule your surgery—generally within a few weeks.
   
   • For vasectomies, plan for travel and accommodation, since the surgery will likely take place outside your home province.
   • Expect pre-surgery preparation, and possibly some pre-surgery tests.

Vasectomy

Takes about 10–30 minutes in a clinic (most are “no‑scalpel” with local numbing).

Basic steps

• Check‑in and plan: Meet the team, review the consent, change into a gown.
• Numbing: The skin and vas deferens (the tiny tubes that carry sperm) are numbed with local anesthetic.
• Find the tubes: The doctor feels each vas under the skin of the scrotum.
• Tiny opening: A small puncture/opening is made (no big cut).
• Block the tubes: Each vas is lifted, cut, and sealed (tied, cauterized, and/or clipped). Sometimes a small segment is removed; ends may be separated.
• Close up: The tiny opening usually doesn’t need stitches or gets one small stitch.
• Wrap‑up: You get a pad/support and simple aftercare instructions. You can usually go home shortly after.

Vasectomy reversal (microsurgical)

Surgery takes 2–4 hours (can be longer), done in an operating room with anesthesia.

Basic steps

• Check‑in and plan: Meet anesthesiast and the surgeon; review the plan.
• Anesthesia: You’re asleep or deeply sedated.
• Careful openings: Small incisions are made on the scrotum to reach the vas deferens.
• Test the pathway: The surgeon checks for sperm fluid at the testicular end.
  • If sperm are present: Vasovasostomy—the two cut ends of the vas are precisely stitched back together under a microscope.
  • If no sperm/there’s a blockage closer to the testicle: Vasoepididymostomy—the vas is connected directly to the epididymis (a finer, more delicate connection).
• Symmetry check: The same is done on the other side, if needed.
• Close up: Layers are closed with fine stitches; a dressing and scrotal support are placed.
• Recovery area: You wake up, review instructions, and go home the same day when stable.

Note: After a vasectomy, you’re not immediately infertile—you need a semen test later to confirm no sperm. Reversal aims to rebuild the pathway so sperm can mix with semen again.

Everyone heals differently—follow your surgeon’s plan. Taking the instructions seriously usually means a smoother recovery.

Vasectomy

Week 1

• Achy, sore, mild swelling/bruising; it can feel like you got kicked.
• Goals: control pain and swelling; protect the area.
• Activities: snug scrotal support (briefs/jockstrap), ice packs 15–20 min at a time, short walks, avoid heavy lifting/straining/sex. Keep the area clean and dry; quick showers are fine.

Weeks 2–4

• Improving: soreness fades; swelling resolves.
• Activities: gradually return to exercise and sex when comfortable and cleared. Keep support wear for workouts. Expect some tenderness after activity.

Key notes

• You’re not “clear” for birth control right away. Use protection until a semen test shows zero sperm (often at ~8–12 weeks or after 20+ ejaculations, per your clinic’s protocol).

Vasectomy reversal (microsurgical)

Week 1

• More swelling and soreness than vasectomy; you’ll move carefully.
• Goals: protect the repair; reduce pain and swelling.
• Activities: scrotal support 24/7, ice as directed, short gentle walks. No lifting >10–15 lb, running, or sex.

Weeks 2–4

• Still cautious but better.
• Activities: increase walking; avoid impact sports, cycling, and heavy lifting. Many return to desk work in 1–2 weeks (earlier for vasectomy).

Weeks 5–8

• Gradual return to full activity when cleared. Sex typically restarted per surgeon guidance; expect a semen analysis schedule to check for sperm.

Red flags—call your care team or seek urgent care

• Fever, spreading redness, pus, or foul odor
• Worsening pain/swelling that doesn’t improve with support/ice
• Large, tense swelling or sudden bruising
• Trouble peeing, dizziness/fainting, or severe nausea/vomiting

Your team will tailor specifics to you—when in doubt, ask before pushing activity.

In Canada private clinics charge:

• Vasectomy: CAD$700–$2,000 (clinic-based local anesthesia; higher if sedation/facility fees apply)
• Vasectomy reversal (microsurgical): CAD$6,000–$15,000+ (depends on surgeon, facility, and whether vasovasostomy vs vasoepididymostomy)

In the United States, you can expect to pay:

• Vasectomy: CA$700–$2,700
• Vasectomy reversal: CA$7,000–$20,700

What’s usually included

• Surgeon fee (vasectomy or microsurgical reversal)
• Facility/clinic fee and nursing
• Local anesthesia (vasectomy) or OR/anesthesia team (reversal)
• Standard disposables/equipment and immediate recovery
• Basic follow-up visit(s) and semen analysis schedule (vasectomy) or initial post-op check (reversal)

What’s sometimes extra (ask in advance)

• Sedation beyond local for vasectomy
• Additional OR time for complex reversal or switching to vasoepididymostomy
• Pathology (if tissue is sent), sperm cryopreservation (if requested), or intraoperative sperm retrieval
• Post-op prescriptions, supplies (support underwear, dressings), and extra semen analyses beyond the standard bundle
• Travel, accommodation, after-hours fees, or extended follow-ups

Choosing your surgeon is a major benefit of going private—use it to your advantage.

What to look for

Experience and volume

• Ask how many vasectomies and reversals they perform per year.
• For reversals, ask their microsurgical case mix: vasovasostomy vs vasoepididymostomy, one‑sided vs two‑sided, re‑do cases.
• Higher volume and standardized pathways usually correlate with smoother care and fewer complications.

Credentials and training

• Verify licensure with your provincial college (CPSO Ontario, CPSBC BC, CPSA Alberta, CMQ Québec, CPSM Manitoba, etc.).
• Vasectomy: look for FRCSC‑certified urologists or experienced family physicians with focused vasectomy practice and accreditation.
  
  • Reversal: look for FRCSC urologists with fellowship training in microsurgery/andrology.

Outcomes and safety

• Vasectomy: ask about early complication rates (hematoma, infection), need for re‑do, and clearance timeline (semen analysis protocol).
• Reversal: ask patency rate (sperm seen post‑op) and natural pregnancy rates by years since vasectomy; re‑intervention rates.
• Anesthesia safety profile, infection rate, unplanned ER visits/readmissions.

Procedure technique and equipment

• Vasectomy: no‑scalpel access, fascial interposition, intraluminal cautery, open‑ended vs closed‑ended approach—what do they use and why?
• Reversal: microscope (not just loupes), availability to perform vasoepididymostomy if needed, intraoperative sperm assessment, fine sutures, micro‑instruments.

Pre‑op evaluation and planning

• Clear checklist: meds to hold, sedation options, support wear, semen testing schedule (vasectomy) or fertility workup for both partners (reversal).
• For reversal: partner age, prior fertility, hormonal tests if indicated, and realistic timelines.

Facility accreditation

• Confirm clinic/OR accreditation (e.g., CAAASF/Accreditation Canada or provincial non‑hospital surgical facility programs).
• Emergency protocols and hospital transfer agreements.

Care pathway and follow‑up

• Written aftercare, direct contact for urgent questions, and defined follow‑up schedule.
• Semen analysis included? How many tests? Turnaround time? For reversal, planned testing cadence.

Costs and transparency

• Itemized quote: surgeon, facility, anesthesia/sedation, supplies, semen analyses, and any potential add‑ons (e.g., complex reversal time, cryopreservation).
• Cancellation/rescheduling policies and timelines for refunds.

Smart questions to bring to your consult

• How many vasectomies/reversals do you do yearly? What are your recent outcomes (complications, patency/pregnancy rates for reversals)?
• For my situation (years since vasectomy, prior scrotal surgery, partner factors), what technique do you anticipate and why?
• What anesthesia/sedation do you use? How long is the procedure and same‑day discharge plan?
• Exactly what’s included in the price? What could add cost?
• What’s the follow‑up schedule, and who do I contact after hours?

Signals of a high‑quality program

• Publishes or shares outcomes transparently and stratified by case complexity.
• Uses modern, evidence‑based techniques with proper microsurgical equipment for reversals.
• Provides clear, written instructions, direct post‑op contact, and timely lab reporting.
• Offers transparent, itemized pricing and coordinates with your local care team.