anyone have knowledge of vasectomy?

[Mistysmom]

My husband had a vasectomy in October 2005 so it has been about 8 months. He has not had 20 ejaculations like they asked for, but we went ahead and took a semen sample to the lab since it had been 8 months. I would say he only had about 6 ejaculations in that long 8 months. Well the doctor's office said the sample was clear. But they want another sample in 2 or 3 months! They said he is not considered sterile yet. My husband feels that 8 months and one clear sample is enough. He says if recanalization was going to happen, it would have happened already and would have shown in the sample at 8 months. We had sex the other night and now I am worried I am pregnant since we did not get another sample in. Is my husband right that we are fine? Is there really a good chance another sample may come back not clear? Is one clear sample after 8 months and 6 ejacs okay? We plan to take another sample in, but hubby insists it is fine to have unprotected sex. Are you clear ONLY after 20 ejacs or does TIME mean something, too? Has anyone had experience with this? He had back surgery after the vasectomy and was in tremendous pain for months, which is the reason for so few ejaculations. Any info is appreciated.

[PammySue]

Hi:

A vasectomy closes off the spermatic ducts - stopping sperm from exiting the testicle.  With that in mind, I would say that you are probably very safe, especially with the clear test.  They are probably just being cautious about the next one in 2 or 3 months.  If you remain concerned, use another form of birth control until his next test.

[Mistysmom]

We plan to use something now, but I am worried it already happened!  I don't understand why a 2nd test is needed and they are saying he is not sterile.  I have a call into them but so far they have not called back.

[PammySue]

Probably the term "not sterile" was used in a clinical sense.  It's good that you have a call in to clarify things.  Were you ovulating when you had sex with your husband?  The chances are really low even if he had sperm.

[Mistysmom]

Yes, I was ovulating.  In fact, I told him if we WANTED to make a baby, now would be the perfect time!  Obviously it was a dumb move to have sex but I was not aware at the time that he needed another sample.  The doc never called back and now they are closed.  How long can sperm live in the tubes?  I know it takes up to 20 ejaculations to clear them out, but you would think at some point they would die even if not ejaculated.  We already have 2 kids and I love them.  But if I am pregnant again I will have to be committed!  I will not be happy at all.

[PammySue]

Well, even a couple trying to conceive have only about a 20% to 25% chance of conceiving each month.  The odds are in your favor.  Try not to stress, and hopefully you'll be fine.

[Mistysmom]

got pregnant on the first try with each of my kids.  But I hope you are right.