Vasectomies are considered a highly effective form of permanent birth control. In some cases, however, patients get a vasectomy only to change their minds and want more children later on. If you’ve undergone a vasectomy and now wish to have children, or if you’re hesitant about getting a vasectomy because you don’t know if you may want more kids in the future, you aren’t alone. There are several options available for having more children after a vasectomy.

Sperm Banking Before Vasectomy

If you think there’s a chance you may want more children in the future, sperm banking is a cost-effective way to safeguard your fertility before undergoing a vasectomy. You can provide a semen sample to your fertility doctor, who will freeze and store it for you. When stored properly, sperm can remain viable indefinitely. This process can give you peace of mind knowing that, if you decide to have children after the vasectomy, you already have healthy, frozen sperm available for intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Sperm Retrieval After Vasectomy

If you don’t have any previously frozen sperm but would like to have more children after a vasectomy, there are other options available, such as a vasectomy reversal. Sperm retrieval techniques can be a more affordable, minimally invasive vasectomy reversal alternative that is just as effective. These techniques include:

• Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA): In this procedure, a needle is inserted through the skin into the epididymis, which is a coiled tube located behind the testicles. Sperm is then extracted using a syringe.
• Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE): In TESE, a small incision is made in the scrotum to access the testicle, where a sample can be retrieved from the seminiferous tubules, where sperm are produced.
• Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA): During this procedure, a small incision is made in the scrotum to access the epididymis. Then, a surgical microscope is used to visualize and identify dilated tubules. The surgeon uses a fine needle to open these tubules and remove the sperm-containing fluid. 
• Testicular Fine Needle Aspiration (TFNA): In this technique, a thin needle is inserted into the testicle to collect fluid containing sperm or small tissue fragments. 
• Testicular Biopsy: There are two types of testicular biopsies: open biopsy and needle biopsy. An open biopsy involves making a small incision in the scrotum and removing a tissue sample. During a needle biopsy, a needle is used to extract tissue without making a large incision. 

When sperm production is healthy, the chances of successful retrieval are generally high. Additionally, your fertility doctor may suggest using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to enhance the likelihood of pregnancy. ICSI is a specialized technique in IVF where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg, increasing the chances of conception.

Learn More About Post-Vasectomy Family Building

Whether you have not yet had a vasectomy or have already undergone the procedure and wish to expand your family, there are options available to assist you in conceiving later on. Dr. Martin Bastuba and the team at the San Diego Vasectomy Center have extensive experience in male fertility and can help you find the right path for your needs and family-building goals.  For more information, contact us today to request an appointment at our conveniently located San Diego or La Jolla clinics.