Question on 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?

[Izzy25]

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[Mistysmom]

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[Kevin Pho, MD]

There is always the possibility that the vasectomy may not work.  The recommendations are that you are clear after 20 ejaculations to clear the ducts of sperm before the eight-week sperm check.

Less than that would leave the remote possibility of residual sperm being present in the ducts.  Again, it all has to do with probability - chances are that the vascectomy will have worked but the chances of success will increase after the recommended post-op course.

These questions can be discussed with your urologist.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
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