Pregnancy after Vasectomy Still a Possibility
The whole point of going through a vasectomy is the fact that you don’t have to worry about birth control anymore right? Well, did you know that it is possible for your female partner to become pregnant even after a vasectomy? It isn’t common but it does happen. If you are contemplating going through a vasectomy, then you need to get all the facts from your doctor so that you can make sure your partner does not become pregnant, even after your surgery.
Reason why Pregnancy Happens after the Vasectomy
The main reason why female partners end up pregnant even when men get a vasectomy is that they do not use alternate forms of birth control for the first few months after the procedure. Your doctor will tell you that follow-up visits are crucial to the success of your operation. You will still have motile, healthy sperm in your semen for weeks after the surgery. This is because these sperm are still in your reproductive system and need a chance to be eliminated through the ejaculate.
During the follow-up visits to your doctor after the vasectomy, doctors will examine the semen for any live sperm. It could take up to two months or up to 20 ejaculating sessions before the live sperm are completely eliminated from your reproductive system. This does not mean your body is still not producing the sperm because it is. However, because the vas deferens is cut during the vasectomy, this removes the mode of transportation of them from the testes to the semen. Instead, the sperm is reabsorbed in the body following a vasectomy.
Doctors will take a sperm count in the ejaculate samples you provide at their office. You must have a report of no sperm count before you can do away with your alternative forms of birth control. Even if you have one hearty little swimmer left, that provides a chance for pregnancy if you have unprotected sex with a female partner.
Another Reason for Pregnancy after Vasectomy
While not common, it is possible for the cut vas deferens to grow back together and rebuild its mode of sperm transportation to the semen. There is 1/10 of 1% chance of this happening and doctors call it recanalization. If there are any bits of tissue debris along with enough white blood cells in the area, it might be enough to rebuild the tubes. For this reason, some doctors not only tie off the ends of the cut vas deferens but also cauterize them. It is almost impossible for the ends of these tube transporters to grow back when you essentially burn the cut ends.
Most women who become pregnant after their partner’s vasectomy do so within the first few months. You have to be diligent about birth control usage during the first few months as well as make the requisite follow-up visits to the doctor. This is the only sure way of knowing how effective your vasectomy is.
Do not let those stories of pregnancy after vasectomies deter you from your goal of permanent birth control. As long as you follow the doctor’s instructions in every way, you can avoid an unwanted pregnancy.
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