vasovasostomy question: years after reversal

My husband had a vasectomy reversed using a vasovasostomy procedure. The first one didn't take, the second one did, and his ex-wife went on to have 2 children. Fastforward 16 years: we are now married and want to have a child. I have had a child prior to our marriage. Conception was easy to achieve & the birth was a normal vaginal birth. I had my child at the age of 23; I am now 34. Obviously he is older, too--he is 59. We have been trying to conceive for the last 4 months. I am going to be 35 in April. My question is this: is it possible for a vasovasostomy to go bad in time b/c of scar tissue buildup or other blockages related to the reversal at that site?

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
While there is a "time limit" on vasectomy reversal after the vasectomy procedure, I am not aware of any data that the reversal itself "wears out" over time.
Your husband does qualify for advanced paternal age however. You won't qualify until 35  :)  men make it at 50.
There are a couple of different tests you might want to consider. One is a simple semen analysis to be certain that everything is still in working order.  The other is a sperm dna fragmentation test to be sure the sperm are healthy.
It is possible to retrieve sperm from the testicle and perform ICSI in an IVF cycle, if it becomes necessary.
Hope this helps!
Dr B

[floridaheather]

TY. I am keeping my fingers crossed. He went yesterday to see his doctor and requested a semen analysis, which he will go to the lab for on Monday. We have been trying for about 5 months. My cycle is just so predictable I thought surely it would not take longer than a couple month. Thanks again!