Can a Man Who Was Sterilized 10 Years Ago Still Impregnate?

Is it possible for a man to conceive after being vasectomized for ten years?

Hello Dr.
Liu: This issue has been troubling me for a long time as I keep seeing many different answers.
I would like to seek your professional opinion for a correct indicator, thank you in advance.
My boyfriend had a vasectomy about ten years ago.
Is it possible that it has loosened and could cause pregnancy? He mentioned that about seven or eight years ago, he got his previous girlfriend pregnant.
But is that possible? We are not using any contraception, so I am very worried.
Is there a difference between the vasectomy techniques used in the past and those used today? Is it really possible to conceive after a vasectomy? He has had the procedure for at least ten years now.
This is really troubling me because I am not planning to have a baby right now.
Thank you, Dr.
Liu.

JJ, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/07/04

Dr. Liu Jianting reply Urology

It is possible, but the chances are very slim.
Essentially, a vasectomy involves cutting and tying off both vas deferens.
It is quite unlikely for them to reconnect on their own, but in my 30 years of experience, I have indeed seen two cases where spontaneous reconnection occurred.
To check whether one can still conceive, it's quite simple! Just visit a hospital and ask a urologist for a "semen analysis" test order, and the results will be clear.

Reply Date: 2008/07/04

More Info

Sterilization, specifically vasectomy in men, is a surgical procedure designed to provide permanent contraception by cutting or sealing the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra. While vasectomy is considered a highly effective form of birth control, it is not 100% foolproof. There are several factors to consider regarding your boyfriend's situation and the possibility of pregnancy after a vasectomy performed ten years ago.

Firstly, the effectiveness of a vasectomy is quite high, with a failure rate of about 1 in 2,000 procedures. However, there are instances where a man may still be able to impregnate a partner after a vasectomy. This can occur due to a few reasons:
1. Recanalization: In some cases, the cut ends of the vas deferens can spontaneously reconnect, allowing sperm to mix with semen again. This is more likely to happen in the first few months after the procedure, but it is still a possibility even years later.

2. Sperm Presence: After a vasectomy, it is recommended that men undergo a semen analysis to confirm the absence of sperm. If this step was not taken, there could still be residual sperm in the reproductive tract, which might lead to pregnancy.

3. Surgical Technique: The technique used during the vasectomy can also influence the likelihood of recanalization. Older methods may have a slightly higher chance of failure compared to newer techniques, which are designed to minimize this risk.

4. Time Since Procedure: While ten years is a significant amount of time, it does not completely eliminate the possibility of pregnancy. If your boyfriend had a successful vasectomy, the likelihood of him being fertile again is low, but not impossible.

Regarding your boyfriend's previous relationship where his ex-girlfriend became pregnant, it is plausible that the vasectomy was not fully effective at that time, or it could have been a case of recanalization. It’s also worth noting that if he had not undergone a post-vasectomy semen analysis, there is no definitive way to confirm that he was completely sterile.

If you and your boyfriend are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, it is advisable to use reliable contraception until you can confirm his fertility status. If he is open to it, he could consider consulting a urologist for a semen analysis to determine whether sperm is still present. This would provide clarity and help alleviate any concerns regarding unintended pregnancy.

In conclusion, while the chances of pregnancy after a vasectomy are low, they are not zero. Factors such as recanalization, residual sperm, and the surgical technique used can all play a role. If you are not planning to conceive, it is essential to use effective contraception and consider discussing this matter further with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and reassurance.

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