The Reasons Behind a Vasectomy Failure

You may be part of the miniscule 1% of the population that experiences vasectomy failure. While the procedure is generally regarded as safe and foolproof, there are still some instances wherein vasectomy can be unsuccessful.

For starters, one of the major reasons why a vasectomy failure occurs is when the patient does not wait at least two months for the sperm to be completely cleared. In a failure of a vasectomy procedure, patients operate on the assumption that they can engage in unprotected sexual activity right after the vasectomy but at least two sperm samples need to be cleared before your doctor gives you the go signal.

If there is no sperm left in the semen, then there is no chance of vasectomy failure and it can be used as a legitimate method of birth control. It is only a shocking three percent of patients who undergo vasectomies who listen to the warning of their physicians and recognize these facts, thereby causing failure of the operation.

A vasectomy failure will also occur when after a period of more than two months, sperm continues to be seen in sperm samples. In this case, the vasectomy was unsuccessful and there is a need to repeat the operation and remedy the situation.

While technical failures on the part of the physician may also cause vasectomy failure, another reason is when the ends of the vas deferens reconnect. This failure of vasectomy phenomenon is called recanalization, wherein a combination of sperm, white blood cells and scar tissue form during the recovery period and create a new pathway for the sperm to flow. There are some vasectomy doctors who will ensure that there is enough of a gap between the two cut ends of the vas deferens to prevent this type of failure of a vasectomy.

If you do continue to experience swelling and pain in the scrotal area, this may also be a sign of vasectomy failure. Some patients either repeat the process or after having experienced too much pain, may also decide to have the procedure reversed.

Less than one percent of the population will experience this kind of vasectomy failure, but as long as you have chosen a reputable doctor with a lot of experience in this kind of surgery, then you do not have to worry. A failure of a vasectomy is rare as long as you listen to the precautions and instructions of your doctor that are to be followed after the surgery.

You can actually prevent vasectomy failure by returning to your doctor for up to eight to ten weeks after the surgical procedure. Another precaution against failure of a vasectomy is using the right contraceptive measures. Some patients are also conscientious enough to have a check up at least once a year so that failure of a vasectomy can be identified right away.