Vasectomy is a surgery that is performed for permanent contraception in males. It is a method of birth control. It involves cutting and sealing tubes that carry sperm.
Post vasectomy, the healthcare professionals recommend semen analysis to ensure the success of the surgery. The individual does not become sterile immediately post-vasectomy.
After some time of the surgery, the tubes need to be moved, otherwise they may realign to allow the sperms in. Once the procedure is over, it is essential to confirm that there are no sperm present in the semen.
To ensure that the surgery is successful and sperms are completely blocked, semen analysis is done. Semen analysis helps indicate that the procedure was effective in blocking the tubes that carry sperms, also known as vas deferens.
Steps for post vasectomy semen analysis
To make sure that the surgery is successful, the healthcare providers will generally do a follow-up semen analysis. The semen samples will be collected several times and sent to the lab for assessment.
Wait till you have unprotected sex. This waiting period can be 6 to 12 weeks after surgery. Within this period, the healthcare providers will suggest multiple semen analyses.
Once it is confirmed that there is no sperm present in the semen, you are
The procedure typically involves the following steps:
Sexual abstinence
Before conducting a semen analysis test, it is often recommended that the individual abstain from ejaculation for a specific period, usually around two to five days. They have to avoid having sex for some time.
By avoiding ejaculation, the test will obtain exact results. Abstinence helps ensure that the semen sample collected for analysis has an adequate volume of semen and any residual sperm.
Semen sample collection
The semen sample has to be collected in a sterile container, which is provided by the healthcare provider. When the container is sterile, it will ensure that there is no contamination of the sample with any foreign elements.
Laboratory examination
After collection, the semen sample is immediately sent to the laboratory for analysis. The lab technician then checks the semen under the microscope to see if it contains sperm cells.
Interpretation
The reports of semen analysis will reveal whether sperm cells are present or absent in the collected sample. When the sperm cells are absent, then this will indicate that the surgery is successful. The individual can continue their sexual activity without the worry of conception.
However, if sperm cells are found, the healthcare provider will recommend additional tests. When the sperms are found again after repeated analysis, then the provider will suggest procedures.
Follow expert guidance
It is necessary to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider. They will give you specific instructions on how and when the semen analysis has to be done.
If your reports of semen analysis and conclusion regarding the success of vasectomy are yet to come, then in the meantime you can make use of alternative forms of contraception.
The methods of contraception include oral contraceptives, injectables, contraceptive patches, implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs), condoms, spermicides, and so forth.
Semen analysis
The key parameters that are evaluated in a semen analysis are as follows:
Sperm count
Sperm count is the concentration of sperm per milliliter of semen. The higher the count, the better the chances of fertility. Men with low sperm counts may struggle to conceive.
Sperm motility
The ability of the sperm to swim to the ovum (female reproductive cell) and their percentage is measured.
Sperm morphology
This assessment will evaluate the shape and structure of the sperm. In case there are some abnormalities in the sperm morphology, this can affect its ability to fertilize the ovum (egg).
pH Level
This test evaluates the acidity and alkalinity of the semen. For sperm health, the pH levels must lie between 7.2 to 8.0.
Liquefaction time
It measures how quickly the semen becomes liquid after ejaculation. It should be between 30 to 30 minutes.
The lowdown
A post-vasectomy semen analysis will ensure that there are no sperm cells in the semen, making a person infertile permanently. If the outcomes are positive, then you can continue your sex life without the need for protection.
However, when the semen analysis still indicates the presence of sperm, then it is essential to follow your healthcare professional’s guidance.
In this case, individuals should continue to use alternative forms of contraception until a post-vasectomy semen analysis confirms the absence of sperm. Besides, it is helpful to ejaculate after vasectomy, which will help eliminate remaining sperm.
