How to Get Pregnant If Your Partner Had a Vasectomy

A vasectomy makes a man permanently unable to impregnate a woman. It is typically very effective, with only 15 out of 10,000 couples getting pregnant the first year after the vasectomy is performed, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Although this is good news for couples who have decided not to have any children, it can be difficult for those who change their minds and decide they want to conceive a baby after all. Although getting pregnant when your partner has had a vasectomy will be a difficult task, it is not impossible.

Talk to your partner. You should be specific in your reasons for wanting to get pregnant, but you need to respect his feelings as well. Before taking any other action, you need to talk to your partner and ensure that you both want a child.

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Discuss with your partner a vasectomy reversal 1. Although a vasectomy reversal will not guarantee his ability to impregnate you, it will increase the chances 1. According to the Mayo Clinic, about half of all vasectomy reversals are successful 1.

Discuss in-vitro fertilization (IVF). This procedure involves taking the man's sperm directly from his testicles, so his vasectomy should not be an obstacle in conceiving this way. However, IVF is more expensive and more invasive than a vasectomy reversal and has a lower chance of being successful, according to a 1997 study conducted by Dr. Christian Pavlovich and Dr. Peter Schlegel published in the journal "Fertility and Sterility." Therefore, this option may be best suited for couples who have female fertility issues in addition to the male fertility issues caused by the vasectomy 1.

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Discuss using donor sperm. Before taking this approach, you should make absolutely certain that your partner is supportive of this approach and doesn't mind you being pregnant with a baby that is not biologically his.

Seek the appropriate medical attention for the method you and your partner have selected. Although the exact steps will vary greatly depending upon which route you decide to take to get pregnant, your doctor will be able to assist you in doing whatever possible to conceive using the method you have chosen.

Tips

Consider joining a fertility support group or seeking counseling if you find the conception process emotionally or mentally difficult.

Warnings

Be prepared to spend a good deal of time, money and energy on this process. It may turn out to be easier or less expensive than you expect, but it is usually better to prepare yourself for the worst-case scenario just in case it isn't.