Should I be concerned if, after a vasectomy, my doc is seeing an increased number of non-motile sperm with each sample brought in?

I had a vasectomy March of 2014. The 1st sample was negative (1/2015), the 2nd had 1 (8/2015), and the 3rd sample was fresh and had 2 (9/2015). Initially, we were told we needed 2 negative samples in a row to be cleared. Dr. now says we're good and that there is no need for concern. Still, I somehow feel concerned. Should I be? Is what I'm experiencing normal?

Answers from doctors (4)


Steven K. Sterzer, MD

Published on Mar 01, 2016

You should be good to go. Studies have shown that a few nonmotile sperm in a semen sample after a vasectomy occurs in some men on a chronic basis. However, this is situation does not mean you are fertile or that the procedure has failed.

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Answered by Steven K. Sterzer, MD

You should be good to go. Studies have shown that a few nonmotile sperm in a semen sample after a vasectomy occurs in some men on a chronic basis. However, this is situation does not mean you are fertile or that the procedure has failed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Anand M. Dhanda, MD, FACS

Published on Oct 08, 2015

Your doctor is correct in advising you not to worry. Maybe repeat the semen analysis one more time to put your mind to rest.

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Answered by Anand M. Dhanda, MD, FACS

Your doctor is correct in advising you not to worry. Maybe repeat the semen analysis one more time to put your mind to rest.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Michael J. Karasis, MD

Published on Oct 07, 2015

If you had only one or two non-motile dead sperm, then in my opinion you are safe. But you must be sure the report showed that the rare sperm seen were non-motile.

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Answered by Michael J. Karasis, MD

If you had only one or two non-motile dead sperm, then in my opinion you are safe. But you must be sure the report showed that the rare sperm seen were non-motile.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Neil H. Baum, MD

Published on Oct 07, 2015

How many ejaculations have you had since your vasectomy? If there is persistent sperm noted, even non-motile sperm, you should be concerned as there should be no sperm seen in order to be certain that you are sterile. I would continue obtaining semen examinations until you have two specimens that are absolutely sperm-free.

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Answered by Neil H. Baum, MD

How many ejaculations have you had since your vasectomy? If there is persistent sperm noted, even non-motile sperm, you should be concerned as there should be no sperm seen in order to be certain that you are sterile. I would continue obtaining semen examinations until you have two specimens that are absolutely sperm-free.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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