Vasectomy
Vasectomy is a procedure many
couples choose as a form of birth control. This procedure is similar to tubal ligation in women, in which the reproductive tubes are cut and tied off. This
is what is commonly referred to as "tubal ligation".
A vasectomy is a procedure in
which the vas deferens are cut and tied off to prevent sperm from entering the
egg. It is performed as a permanent form of birth control, leading some to
wonder if pregnancy is possible after a vasectomy.
Is it possible to get pregnant?
Vasectomy is one of the best
ways to prevent pregnancy: the pregnancy rate is about 1/1000 after the first
year and 2 to 10/1000 after five years. Most reports indicate that after a
vasectomy, a couple has a less than 1% chance of getting pregnant.
However, it is recommended
that a semen sample be analyzed after a vasectomy to determine the success of
the procedure before discontinuing alternative methods of birth control.
Although the chance of getting pregnant after a vasectomy is low, it still
exists. If your partner has pregnancy symptoms, she may consider taking a
pregnancy test.
Vasectomy reversal: Pregnancy after vasectomy
As stated earlier, vasectomy is considered a permanent form of birth control. However, just as a woman can undergo tubal ligation reversal surgery, a man can undergo vasectomy reversal surgery if the couple decides to try to conceive. However, abolishing a vasectomy does not guarantee pregnancy.