Despite a vasectomy being a permanent procedure, you are not immediately sterile for several weeks due to residual sperm that can reside in the vas deferens. For this reason, we recommend a post-vasectomy semen analysis 12-16 weeks after your procedure to confirm sterility. Semen testing is a simple laboratory procedure that analyzes the semen for the presence of sperm. This test is typically recommended 3 months after the vasectomy procedure to allow time for any remaining sperm to clear from the reproductive system. Until then, you should continue to use your preferred method of contraception.
The Importance of Semen Analysis After a Vasectomy
What Do the Results of My Semen Analysis Mean?
A negative semen analysis result indicates that there is no viable sperm present in the sample, which means that you are sterile and the risk of unintended pregnancy is extremely low (1 in 2,000 = 0.05%). However, a positive semen analysis indicates the presence of viable sperm in your semen. Rarely, this can be due to a failed Vasectomy. More likely, in some patients it can take longer than 3 months to clear residual viable sperm from the Vas Deferens. In this scenario, we recommend waiting another 4 weeks to repeat the Semen Analysis. No-Scalpel Vasectomies have a success rate of >99%, so the likelihood of a positive result is extremely low.
Two Options to Submit Your Semen Sample for Confirmation of Sterility
Mail In Post Vasectomy Semen Analysis
We use “Fellow” as our mail-in Post-Vasectomy Semen Analysis (PVSA) provider. The cost of the kit, billed directly to the patient, is $150 which is also used as a deposit to schedule your No-Scalpel Vasectomy. You will be provided the Fellow PVSA Kit on the day of your procedure to take home with you.
The Fellow PVSA Kit includes the following:
- QR code to register your kit
- E-reminders for collecting your semen sample
- Semen collection kit
- Pre-paid UPS shipping label to return your sample
- Access to an online portal for results
- If necessary, repeat testing to confirm sterility at no additional costs
In Person Lab Post Vasectomy Semen Analysis
We will ask you to drop off a semen sample in a lab-provided container at either InterPath Lab or Overlake Lab. InterPath is located in the medical office park right next to us, and the Overlake lab is located two blocks away on the main Overlake Hospital campus. They do not require an appointment. Detailed semen collection instructions were provided to you on the day of your procedure and are also available on our website. Please follow these instructions exactly so we can confirm sterility for you.
Semen Testing Labs
INTERPATH Lab Locations
1632 116th Avenue NE, Suite B
Bellevue, WA 98004
Lab Hours: Monday – Friday: 8am – 4:30pm
(closed for lunch between 12 – 12:30pm)
(425) 871-6557
8511 South Tacoma Way, Suite 103 Lakewood, WA 98499
Lab Hours: Monday – Friday: 8am-4:30pm
(closed for lunch between 12 – 12:30pm)
Phone: (360) 628-8560
Fax: (360) 515-5290
OVERLAKE Lab Location
1135 116th Avenue NE, Suite 110
Bellevue, WA 98004
Lab Hours: Monday – Friday: 7am – 5:30pm
Saturday: 8am – 12pm
Phone: (425) 688-5106
Don’t Hesitate to Contact Us With Questions
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or to schedule a consultation; our friendly staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
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