Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Happens to Semen After a Vasectomy?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

Semen after a vasectomy is virtually unchanged. Although the path of sperm is blocked off after this operation, men still ejaculate the same amount of semen as they would have prior to surgery. The only difference is that there will no longer be sperm found inside of this semen.

During a vasectomy the vas deferens, or tube leading from the testicles to the tip of the penis, is blocked off at the entrance so that sperm cannot move through. Since semen is generally not added to the sperm until it has traveled up this tube further, semen is not blocked from exiting. This allows a man to function sexually and ejaculate normally.

A sperm cell.
A sperm cell.

Sperm are still created by the testicles after surgery, and are then absorbed into the body. Semen after a vasectomy exits as usual. It may still contain sperm which was already present in the vans deferens prior to surgery for several months after the operation. For this reason, couples are encouraged to use a backup method of birth control until it is confirmed that the male is sterile.

Semen is produced in the testes, which are contained in the scrotum.
Semen is produced in the testes, which are contained in the scrotum.

To determine the sterility of semen after a vasectomy, it is tested at set intervals to get a sperm count. In the beginning, several thousand sperm cells may still be found. This number should get smaller with each check until the count finally makes it to zero. In some cases the vasectomy may not have been successful. If the tube is not blocked off correctly, sperm may still be able to get through.

Couples should use a back-up method of birth control following a vasectomy until the male is confirmed sterile.
Couples should use a back-up method of birth control following a vasectomy until the male is confirmed sterile.

Although sperm count within semen after a vasectomy should be zero, occasionally the tubes can grow back together without a man’s knowledge. This means that he may be able to impregnate his partner during intercourse. A man may also be able to have his vasectomy reversed. The success of a such an operation varies widely from person to person.

Vasectomies are relatively routine operations and there are generally not long-term side effects aside from sterility. Soreness may occur for a day or so after the surgery is performed, but this is generally mild and subsides quickly. Although rare, there are risks with any operation. These can include a negative reaction of local anesthesia, and swelling of the testes. Very rarely, the sperm which are reabsorbed into the body after a vasectomy may cause an allergic reaction.

Discussion Comments

diveman10

Your last paragraph leaves out a lot of information out about autoimmune issues that can come about from a vasectomy. A whole article could probably be written about this topic alone.

Nothing was stated about sperm granuloma or post vasectomy pain syndrome that I have been suffering from for the last 12 months.

I know that the article was based on what happens to semen after a vasectomy, but you opened the door with your last paragraph and its inadequacies.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A sperm cell.
      By: Alexandr Mitiuc
      A sperm cell.
    • Semen is produced in the testes, which are contained in the scrotum.
      By: kocakayaali
      Semen is produced in the testes, which are contained in the scrotum.
    • Couples should use a back-up method of birth control following a vasectomy until the male is confirmed sterile.
      By: vgstudio
      Couples should use a back-up method of birth control following a vasectomy until the male is confirmed sterile.
    • Although a vasectomy may prevent pregnancy, condoms should be worn to prevent sexually transmitted disease.
      By: Peter Atkins
      Although a vasectomy may prevent pregnancy, condoms should be worn to prevent sexually transmitted disease.
    • Following a vasectomy, there may still be sperm present in the vas deferens that was there prior to the surgery.
      By: joshya
      Following a vasectomy, there may still be sperm present in the vas deferens that was there prior to the surgery.
    • There are generally no long-term side effects of having a vasectomy.
      By: Photographee.eu
      There are generally no long-term side effects of having a vasectomy.
    • A male may still be able to impregnate his partner during intercourse following a vasectomy.
      By: Coka
      A male may still be able to impregnate his partner during intercourse following a vasectomy.
    • Men should not engage in heavy lifting following a vasectomy.
      By: Michael Flippo
      Men should not engage in heavy lifting following a vasectomy.