Vasectomies are designed to prevent pregnancy permanently. During this common procedure, the vas deferentia are sealed, preventing sperm from mixing with the semen that is released during ejaculation. Vasectomies have consistently high success rates, and post-vasectomy pregnancy is rare. The most common reasons for pregnancy after a vasectomy are having unprotected intercourse too soon after the procedure, where there may still be active sperm present, or using an inexperienced surgeon. 

Vasectomy Success Rates

The likelihood of getting pregnant after a vasectomy is nearly zero. However, couples should still use contraception at least three months after the procedure, as some sperm may still be present in the semen. A few months after getting a vasectomy, a physician will perform a semen analysis to test for active sperm. If there’s no sperm in the semen, the vasectomy was a success, and they’ll give the go-ahead to stop using contraception. If there is still active sperm in the semen, they’ll do follow-up testing to determine the cause. It’s important to note that while vasectomies are nearly 100% effective at preventing pregnancy, they don’t provide protection from STDs. 

Why Are Vasectomies So Effective?

A vasectomy is considered one of the most effective kinds of birth control available and the most effective method for individuals with penises and testicles. It’s designed to be permanent and, unlike birth control pills or condoms, you can’t forget to use it or mess it up. Essentially, a vasectomy prevents pregnancy every day, around the clock, forever, unless a reversal is performed.

Vasectomy Reversal Success: Is It Possible?

Between 3–6% of individuals who have vasectomies eventually have a reversal. Various factors influence vasectomy reversal success rates, including:

• Experience of the surgeon
• Sperm count
• Intercourse timing
• The fertility of both partners
• The overall health of both partners

If the reversal isn’t successful, couples can opt for sperm aspiration and in vitro fertilization (IVF) to conceive. 

Learn More About the Vasectomy Procedure

If you’re interested in learning more about the vasectomy procedure, Dr. Martin Bastuba and the team at the San Diego Vasectomy Center are happy to guide you through the process. Dr. Bastuba has performed thousands of surgical procedures and specializes in no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomies. For more information, contact us today to request an appointment at our conveniently located San Diego or La Jolla clinics.