Is one sample enough?
Oct 15th 2007adminPost vasectomy semen analysis
From Kristen:-
My husband had his vasectomy in July of this year (and it is now October). He has, since the vasectomy, ejaculated well over 30 times. His semen analysis yesterday resulted in a “zero sperm” result, so we had unprotected sex pretty immediately. The doctor’s office didn’t tell him he would need to bring in another sample, which is why we both thought that meant we were
definitely in the clear.
Because I really do not ever want to get pregnant, I’m wondering if we were safe to assume “zero” MEANT “zero.” Should we have waited until he’d brought in at least one more sample?
It is important not to have unprotected intercourse until your physician has cleared you to do so after a vasectomy. Usually, two semen analyses showing zero sperm are sufficient to confirm a man’s sterility. Some recent eveidence suggests that a single sample performed at 16 weeks is equally reliable. The second semen analysis can be performed as early as one week after the initial negative result.
