The vasectomy is an extremely safe and effective procedure, with vasectomy success rates over 99%.
During the vasectomy procedure, the vas deferentia are sealed preventing sperm from mixing with the semen that is released during ejaculation. A vasectomy is considered a success when there is zero sperm in the ejaculate.
Immediately after a vasectomy the male will not be sterile. Within the next several months the male’s semen will be tested to ensure that the vasectomy was effective, by looking for traces of sperm . It usually takes several months before a couple can have sex without any form of birth control.
Couples should use another form of birth control until the semen has been tested and zero sperm count is confirmed.
At the San Diego Vasectomy Center, a semen analysis will be performed after 4 weeks to test for active sperm at no additional cost. This will help to ensure that the vasectomy was effective and successful. Please note that many vasectomy clinics charge additional fees for post-vasectomy semen analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vasectomies are over 99% effective. Some studies report that, out of every 1,000 vasectomies, only one fails and results in a pregnancy. The vast majority of these rare pregnancies occur during the first three months following a vasectomy procedure. This is because, although the vasectomy will prevent future sperm from getting into the ejaculate, there may still be some sperm left in the vas deferens at the time of the procedure.
In some cases, vasectomies also fail because it was performed by an inexperienced surgeon. That’s why it’s important to work with an accomplished vasectomy surgeon who has performed the procedure many times. Dr. Bastuba, for example, performs over 300 vasectomies a year.
After the vasectomy procedure is complete, you must continue to use some form of birth control during intercourse for some time. It can take up to three months for all the remaining sperm to vacate the vas deferens. After three months, you must return to your vasectomy doctor’s office for a semen analysis, which will determine if there are any sperm in your ejaculate. Your vasectomy will be considered a success if the sperm analysis reveals a sperm count of zero.
A vasectomy works by separating the connection between the testicles and the penis, which stops sperm from being expelled from the body via ejaculation. However, vasectomies have no impact on the production of sperm. As such, sperm continues to be produced in the testicles. With nowhere to go, the sperm dissolves and is absorbed back into the body.
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