Where Do Sperm Go After A Vasectomy 2?

A vasectomy is a permanent form of birth control for men. It involves blocking the tubes in your scrotum that sperm use to reach your semen and leave your body. It’s a very effective method of pregnancy prevention and can be done in a short operation. But it takes time for sperm to clear from the tube called the vas deferens, and you may need to continue using other forms of birth control until a urologist tells you your semen is completely free of sperm.

During a vasectomy, the doctor makes two cuts in your scrotum to access the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles. They cut the ends of each tube (the vas deferens) and tie them off. The sperm can still be produced, but it can’t get to the semen and leave your body.

The sperm that’s produced in the testicles travels through the two tubes of the vas deferens and mixes with other fluids to make semen. The sperm can then join up with an egg to cause pregnancy. When the sperm can’t get to semen, it can’t fertilize an egg, and pregnancy can’t occur.

When a man has a vasectomy, the sperm still gets produced in the testicles, but it can’t reach the semen. Instead, the sperm gets absorbed back into the body, and the lining of the epididymis absorbs most of it. The scrotum can feel a bit uncomfortable after a vasectomy, but the pain usually goes away within a few days. Mild painkillers, such as paracetamol, can help with any discomfort.

It may take 12 weeks or more for sperm to clear from the vas deferens after a vasectomy. If you have a severe pain, talk to your urologist as it could be a sign of an infection or other problem. Some people may notice a small, benign lump in their scrotum after a vasectomy, called a granuloma. This is normal, and it won’t affect your health.

In rare cases, the sperm from one or both of the cut ends of the vas deferens can rejoin together. If this happens, a sperm sample will be needed to see if there are any sperm in your semen. Typically, your doctor will ask you to masturbate and ejaculate into a container or use a special condom without lubrication so that the sperm can be examined.

A vasectomy isn’t reversible, so it should only be considered if you are sure you don’t want to have children. It’s important to understand all the options for contraception and fertility before having a vasectomy, so you can weigh up your choices carefully. Some doctors offer a procedure called sperm retrieval and intracytoplasmic sperm injection that can improve your chances of getting pregnant if you decide to change your mind later on. This is an expensive option that isn’t suitable for everyone, so it’s a good idea to speak to your GP about your options.