Every year in the US, roughly 500,000 men decide to undergo a vasectomy procedure.
Vasectomies are a permanent form of birth control, preventing pregnancy by blocking sperm from entering a man’s semen.
Even though vasectomies are one of the most effective forms of birth control available, they aren’t bulletproof. In some cases, the procedure may not work and pregnancy can occur.
In this guide, we’ll discuss pregnancy after vasectomy and vasectomy reversals. This way, you’ll know just what to expect from your vasectomy procedure.
How Do Vasectomies Work?
A vasectomy is a simple and common procedure.
A surgeon will cut and seal off the vas deferens. The vas deferens are two tubes that connect the testicles and urethra. They act as a transportation path for sperm.
When the surgeon seals off the vas deferens, sperm can no longer enter the semen. Though sperm is still produced, the body reabsorbs it into the body instead of ejaculating it.
This effectively eliminates the chance of pregnancy occurring. This is because sperm is a necessary ingredient for pregnancy.
Can You Get Pregnant After Vasectomy?
Getting pregnant after a vasectomy is a rare occurrence. Even though there is no specific data on the odds of pregnancy after a vasectomy, the procedure is about 99.9% effective.
This generally means that the chances of pregnancy after a vasectomy are about 1 in 1,000.
So, how does this happen? Well, there are a few different causes.
For one, vasectomies are not an immediate form of birth control. Sperm that is already stored in the vas deferens can remain there for weeks, or even months, after the procedure.
Preventing Pregnancy After Vasectomy
In order to reduce the chances of becoming pregnant after a vasectomy, you should use an alternative form of contraception. Most doctors recommend using other birth control methods for about 3 months after the procedure.
After this 3 month period, most doctors will request a semen analysis. This allows them to check for any live sperm that you may still ejaculate. Until you get the all-clear after this appointment, you should continue to use contraceptive methods such as:
- Birth control pills
- Condoms
- Other hormonal birth control such as IUDs, patches, etc.
How Does Post-Vasectomy Pregnancy Happen?
Having unprotected sex too early or missing your semen analysis appointment are the two most common causes of post-vasectomy pregnancy. However, they aren’t the only ones.
In fact, a vasectomy can fail months or even years after the initial procedure. This can occur even after you’ve had clear semen samples.
Vasectomy failures typically happen because:
- The doctor cut the wrong structure
- The doctor cuts one vas deferens twice and leaves the other one intact
- Someone has an extra vas deferens not located by the doctor (this is very rare)
The vas deferens can also grow back after surgery. Tube-like cells begin to form around the vas deferens until they form a new connection. This is a process known as recanalization.
Can You Reverse a Vasectomy?
Yes, most vasectomies are reversible. However, reversals will not always result in pregnancy.
If you end up changing your mind, your doctor can reconnect the vas deferens. This allows sperm to re-enter the semen.
Vasectomy reversals are much more complicated than initial vasectomies. Because this is a somewhat difficult procedure, it is important to work with a surgeon you can trust, such as the one found here: https://www.dadsagain.com/vasectomy-reversal/our-high-success-rate/.
There are two different procedures that can reverse a vasectomy. Surgeons will decide which to use when starting the procedure. In some cases, they may even use a combination of the two.
These procedures are:
Vasovasostomy
The surgeon will use a high-powered microscope. This allows them to view the tiny tubes of the vas deferens.
Once the surgeon locates the tubes, they can reattach them. They will reattach the cut ends of the tubes back to each other.
Vasoepididymostomy
This procedure involves attaching the top end of the vas deferens to the epididymis. The epididymis is a tube located near the back of the testicle.
This procedure avoids having to reattach the cut ends of the vas deferens. Instead, it goes directly to the testicle, essentially forming a new vas deferens pathway.
What Makes a Vasectomy Reversal Successful?
Because vasectomy reversals are a bit more difficult, there are a number of factors that will determine their success.
Some common deciding factors include:
- The patient’s age
- Their partner’s age
- The surgeon’s experience
- How long ago the initial vasectomy was performed
- Whether you’ve attempted a reversal before
The longer it’s been since your initial vasectomy, the less likely a reversal procedure will be successful. However, it may still be worth a chance depending on your situation.
Some men will try a second reversal procedure if the first was unsuccessful. The chances of the second being successful are even lower than the first, however.
Successful vasectomy reversals could see sperm return to your semen within a few weeks. However, some patients may not see sperm return to an optimal level until up to a year or more after the procedure.
Risks of Vasectomy Reversal
Vasectomy reversals can lead to serious complications. In some cases, your surgeon may advise against a reversal, though the choice is up to you and your partner.
Serious risks that come with the vasectomy reversal procedure include:
- Bleeding within the scrotum, which may lead to swelling
- Infection at the site of the surgery
- Pain which may last weeks, years, or lifelong (very rare)
It is also important to be aware that your insurance may not cover a vasectomy reversal procedure. Speak with your health insurance company before electing to undergo any procedure.
Permanent Birth Control For Men
Vasectomies are incredibly effective forms of birth control. The chances of pregnancy after a vasectomy are incredibly slim. However, vasectomies are also more or less permanent.
Keep all these factors in mind before choosing to undergo a vasectomy. Talk to your doctor if you or your partner are considering a vasectomy procedure.
For more information on sexual and reproductive issues, check out our Health section. Here you can find tips on every bodily topic under the sun.
