How Do Doctors Know if a Vasectomy Worked?

A vasectomy is a simple surgical procedure that keeps sperm produced in the testicles from entering a man’s semen. The quick outpatient procedure involves cutting or blocking each vas deferens duct that carries sperm from each testicle to the urethra. Instead, the sperm remain in the testicles and are reabsorbed by the body.

Vasectomies are an extremely effective way to prevent pregnancy, with a success rate of close to 100 percent.

Doctors can confirm that a vasectomy worked by analyzing a man’s semen for a period of time after the vasectomy to check for the presence of sperm. It can take up to three months or longer for semen to be completely sperm-free.

What to Expect After a Vasectomy

Following a vasectomy, patients are allowed to go home and can have sex as soon as it is comfortable for them, typically within a few days.

However, a vasectomy is not considered successful immediately following the procedure. Doctors advise patients that pregnancy is still possible because sperm may already be present in the vas deferens ducts. It can take 20 to 30 ejaculations for any sperm still present in the tubes to leave the body in ejaculate. So, during this time period, there is still a chance for pregnancy to occur and the use of contraception is advised.

Several weeks after the vasectomy procedure, your doctor will ask you for a semen sample that can be tested to see if there is any sperm in it. Depending on the results, you may be asked to repeat the test.

When healthy sperm are no longer found in the semen, the vasectomy is considered successful.

Vasectomies are a very effective way to prevent pregnancy and many men get the procedure done every year. However, in order for the procedure to be successful, it’s essential you work with a qualified and experienced doctor who will perform the procedure in a safe and effective way and test you thoroughly afterward to ensure the procedure’s success.

If you are searching for a trustworthy and experienced physician for your men’s health care needs, make an appointment to see Dr. Richard Natale of Carolina Urology Partners. Dr. Natale has experience treating a plethora of men’s health care issues like erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, prostate enlargement, as well as vasectomy procedures. Call (704) 786-5131 to make an appointment today. You can also request an appointment online.