My husband had a vasectomy 14 years ago after fathering two children in a previous marriage. We want to have a reversal done. What are some important questions we should ask in searching for a surgeon? Since the success rate is probably less than 50 percent, we want to make sure we choose the appropriate surgeon. Does the fact that my husband has fathered children raise our chance of success at all?

Rachelle

After 14 years, the chance of success following reversal is small. The fact that your husband was fertile 14 years ago offers little evidence regarding the possibility for success now.

Questions to ask your doctor are: How often do you perform this procedure? What are the expected success rates after 14 years? Are these national numbers or your experience? What are the risks of this therapy? How much does this cost? Can you freeze sperm at the time of reversal for IVF and ICSI if the reversal is unsuccessful?

If the answer to that last question is no, find another physician to perform the reversal. The ability to freeze sperm at reversal may avoid unnecessary surgical sperm retrieval for IVF if the reversal is not successful.