My husband's semen analysis states non-motile spermatoza present; 1 sperm cell detected/50hpf's. What does this mean?

It can be disturbing when sperm persist following a vasectomy, and there is a concern for failure. Vasectomies rarely fail, with only 1 out of 2000-2500 failing. According to the Americam Urologic Association, patients can be cleared following the procedure when either no sperm (azoospermic) are seen in an un-centrifuged ejaculate sample or when fewer than 100,000 non- motile sperm per mL are seen - which represent rare non-motile sperm.
If sperm are seen on a post-vasectomy semen analysis, it is recommended to have them repeat the sample - but not just a post vas SA, but a simple SA that reports sperm concentration and motility after a month of additional ejaculation. For those reasons, continue to use protection.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

It means that dead sperm are leaking through a partially reconnected vas. Prior studies have shown that this is still a successful vasectomy. But nothing in life is foolproof!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

According the American Urological Association Vasectomy Guidelines, "Patients may stop using other methods of contraception when examination of one well-mixed, uncentrifuged, fresh post-vasectomy semen specimen shows azoospermia or only rare non-motile sperm (RNMS or ≤ 100,000 non-motile sperm/mL)." It looks as if your husband's semen analysis meets those criteria, but I would check with your laboratory where the semen analysis was done to be sure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012