Anyone know much about vasectomies?

[LiamsMum]

My dh had a vasectomy 12 months ago and was supposed to submit a semen sample 3 months after the operation, to make sure that no sperm were present. (Apparently it usually takes about 3 months to get rid of it completely after the operation). Anyway he finally gave them a sample two weeks ago, and we just received a letter back from the doctor saying "it is very unusual after 12 months, but there are still sperm present and it may not be wise to rely on this as a method of contraception". !!!! The doctor didn't go into any explanation, but said that we could give him a call to discuss the 'implications'. Has anyone heard of this happening before? We haven't been able to speak to the doctor as yet (we've left several messages) so we don't know if it will mean having another procedure done, or whether we'll just have to wait a few more months to see if there's any change. BTW, this doctor is a well-known urologist and does about 25 vasectomies a day, so it's not like he's dodgy or anything. Trust this to happen to us!!!

My dh had a vasectomy also, 18 months ago. He is STILL taking in samples regularly as he is not getting the "all clear". I sympathise with you, we still use alternative methods and are rather disappointed, but hopeful.

Liamsmum

I have heard of this happening before but I though it was only when they just tied the tubes off and not cut them and then tied them (could be wrong though).

Simonhoward, I asked my dh on the weekend whether his were tied or cut, and he said they were cut. If this is the case, I don't know why this would be happening. Unfortunately still haven't been able to speak to the doctor as yet.

Sylvev, what does your doctor say? Are they just going to keep testing your dh indefinitely, or will they have to re-do the operation at some point? Be interested to hear what your options are. I am still on the mini-pill but wanted to stop taking it once dh has the all-clear.

LiamsMum, my friend's husband had to have the procedure again. They actually never went back for the all-clear test, and ended up with dd4. Her DH then went back for another procedure.

Bugger that for a game of soldiers. No way would I have the operation 3 times. I've seen how painful the after effects of having it once are.

SimonHoward, you wusss. It's no way as painful as giving birth. Just sit on a bag of frozen peas for a few days. Honestly...men!

Incidentally, I have a friend who worked testing sperm samples after vascetomies. He said if the patient really irritated him, he would spend hours hunting for a single solitary sperm in the sample just so they had to go back and be retested again. Apparantly he did this to one guy 3 times.