How long does sperm live after a vasectomy?

Answers from doctors (1)


More About Doctor John C. McHugh, MD

Published on Jul 21, 2019

It is really not a question of living, rather how long does it take to clear. Usually, 30 ejaculations are necessary before the ejaculate has no sperm. If you did mean "live", vasectomy reversal studies have shown that the sperm in the vas tube closest to the testicle after vasectomy slowly die and are broken down by the body. In IVF, live sperm is aspirated directly from the testicles to use for pregnancy. This sperm in the testis can live for many years post-vasectomy.

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

It is really not a question of living, rather how long does it take to clear. Usually, 30 ejaculations are necessary before the ejaculate has no sperm. If you did mean "live", vasectomy reversal studies have shown that the sperm in the vas tube closest to the testicle after vasectomy slowly die and are broken down by the body. In IVF, live sperm is aspirated directly from the testicles to use for pregnancy. This sperm in the testis can live for many years post-vasectomy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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