Why is there a wide difference in the recommended time frame for post vasectomy semen analysis?
My paperwork said about eight weeks. At my one week check up I was healing great and my Urologist said I could take my test at 5 weeks. Also I am only taking 1 test as required in my case. I'm seeing that two tests are the normal recommendation.
Answers from doctors (2)
Answered by John C. McHugh, MD
(View Profile)
There is a wide variation in how soon the sperm clear. Although there are several factors the most important is the number of ejaculations and the usual number is about 25-30. When the physician says check after so many weeks he is assuming that the number of ejaculations will be reached at that time interval. One vs. two check: I think two is a good idea. I check the specimens myself with a microscope and I feel better knowing two are negative before I give the green light. Just like everything else-everybody does things a little different.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Answered by Robert G. Pugach, M.D.
There are two ways to time samples: the number of ejaculations or the number of weeks. It takes about 15-20 ejaculations to clear the vas of sperm from the Vasectomy site to the prostate (where the ejaculate comes out) OR about 8 weeks. There are many variables — number of sperm in the vas, the ejaculate volume, amount of post-vasectomy inflammation, etc. A single sample that shows 0 sperm is all that's needed. If a sample shows only a few dead sperm it should be repeated until the count is 0.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
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