Vasectomy should be considered permanent and irreversible.
Most vasectomies can be reversed by removing the blocked section and reconnecting the healthy vas ends, but it’s expensive (over $6000) and not always successful. Getting sperm flowing again isn’t the problem, but for some unknown reason their ability to fertilize diminishes with time elapsed. Reversal within the first three years has about a 70% chance of successful pregnancy. By ten years out, this drops to a 30% pregnancy rate, so vasectomy reversal is not to be relied on. This is why you should be positive you never wish to have any more children before you get a vasectomy.
The following groups are at higher risk of regretting their vasectomy later:
Those with a newborn should consider postponing vasectomy until the baby is over 6 months old, since earlier is when the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS or crib death) is greatest, about 1 per 2000 births.
Sperm Cryopreservation (a.k.a. pre-vasectomy sperm banking) is “insurance” every man should consider.
It is not a guarantee of future fertility but it may be a good idea if you ever want another child later (and a small waste of money if you don’t). Sperm cryopreservation is available from Pacific Center for Reproductive Medicine 250-704-0024. Also from Olive Fertility Centre 250-410-1664.