Is recanalization after vasectomy determined only by sperm count or is there another method to determine if this has occurred?

My wife is pregnant and my vasectomy was almost 5 years ago. I am wondering if sperm count is the only method to determine recanalization, or if physical exam and/or ultrasound can verify this.

Answers from doctors (3)


More About Doctor Nadeem Rahman, M.D.

Published on Jun 20, 2017

Yes, I believe the best way to determine if re-canalization occurred after a vasectomy is to check a sperm count. If there are motile sperm then presumably the vas deferens has recanalized and a repeat vasectomy should be performed if sterility is still desired.

Answered by Nadeem Rahman, M.D. (View Profile)

Yes, I believe the best way to determine if re-canalization occurred after a vasectomy is to check a sperm count. If there are motile sperm then presumably the vas deferens has recanalized and a repeat vasectomy should be performed if sterility is still desired.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The only conclusive test is a semen analysis.

Answered by Mark J. Saslawsky, MD - Southaven Office (View Profile)

The only conclusive test is a semen analysis.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor John C. McHugh, MD

Published on Jun 18, 2017

Recanalization would be manifested by sperm in the ejaculate and yes a semen analysis will tell you this definitively. Exam and Ultrasound would not be beneficial. There is a kit you can get from Spermcheck.com that will tell you if there is presence of sperm but is not as accurate in terms of the quality and number of sperm in the specimen.

Answered by John C. McHugh, MD (View Profile)

Recanalization would be manifested by sperm in the ejaculate and yes a semen analysis will tell you this definitively. Exam and Ultrasound would not be beneficial. There is a kit you can get from Spermcheck.com that will tell you if there is presence of sperm but is not as accurate in terms of the quality and number of sperm in the specimen.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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