Sperm Present Following Vasectomy
Question
My husband had a vasectomy around 4 1/2 months ago. We took a seminal fluid sample in after thirty ejections and it was positive so we waited until about a week ago to take another sample in and it came back negative. Does this mean he is sterile or should we take another sample in? Is it possible to be positive even though the results said it was negative?
Heather
Answer
Last Updated: February 21, 2015
Heather,
Persistent sperm in the ejaculate following a vasectomy can result from sperm storage in other parts of the reproductive system (seminal vesicles or the prostate), a congenital anomaly such as a third vas, or spontaneous reconnection of one of the occluded vasa. Since I do not do vasectomies I do not know how to proceed at this point other than to recommend that you follow your surgeon’s counsel in this matter.
Dr. Gregory Polito
Persistent sperm in the ejaculate following a vasectomy can result from sperm storage in other parts of the reproductive system (seminal vesicles or the prostate), a congenital anomaly such as a third vas, or spontaneous reconnection of one of the occluded vasa. Since I do not do vasectomies I do not know how to proceed at this point other than to recommend that you follow your surgeon’s counsel in this matter.
Dr. Gregory Polito
Answered By:
Gregory Polito, MD
Gregory Polito,MD, KM, Past President of CANFP, retired from a urologic practice, with a sub-specialty in vasectomy reversal
