When is a vasectomy a success

The researchers also estimated that for every men who undergo a vasectomy by ligation and excision, about 60 will reach azoospermia by 12 weeks, while only about 28 will reach azoospermia by 20 ejaculations. EngenderHealth has already incorporated this finding into its training materials.

Its new training curriculum and resources no longer mention 20 ejaculations as a guideline. But they still recommend planning a follow-up visit 12 weeks after vasectomy to confirm success and, whether semen testing is available or not, using condoms or another back-up method of contraception for the same week period. Yet even though 12 weeks was found to be a better guideline than 20 ejaculations, the time needed for men to reach azoospermia after vasectomy varies greatly.

Some men in the study needed as few as two weeks, while others took as long as 24 weeks six months or more. The research also confirms recent evidence that ligation and excision is not as effective as previously thought. Almost 12 percent of the men were considered to have a failed vasectomy because substantial sperm remained at 24 weeks.

But a limitation of the study is that the results were based only on semen testing; it was not possible to estimate the rate of pregnancy among the men's partners. In a no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy , the flow of sperm is interrupted by cutting and tying the vas deferens, which is a long tube that connects the testicles to the penis.

While vasectomies prevent future sperm from entering the ejaculate, existing sperm may remain present for up to three months. During this time, pregnancy can still occur. To ensure your vasectomy is a success, you must return to the vasectomy clinic three months after the procedure for a semen analysis, which will reveal whether there are any active sperm still present in your ejaculate. Masson said that the effectiveness of a reversal might depend on the length of time since the vasectomy.

Masson explained. Masson said. Get information on a variety of health conditions, disease prevention, and our services and programs. It's advice from our physicians delivered to you on your time. Sign up for the Health and Wellness Newsletter. Osteoporosis Lasik. About this Blog Get information on a variety of health conditions, disease prevention, and our services and programs. Date Archives Year