Silvia Azaña, an embryologist at inviTRA, answers our question in this video about whether a vasectomy is a permanent method of contraception for men:
A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting the vast deferens, which are the ducts that carry sperm by accessing them through a small incision made in the scrotum. Consequently, even though a man continues to ejaculate normally after undergoing a vasectomy, the ejaculate will not contain any sperm. This means that azoospermia will occur. Because of this, pregnancy is prevented and, therefore, vasectomy is considered a permanent method of contraception.
It is considered a simpler procedure than tubal ligation in women, mainly because a vasectomy only requires the use of local anesthesia and usually involves fewer post-operative complications. However, it is important to note that it is necessary to wait for a period of 3 months (with more than 20 ejaculations during that time) before performing post-vasectomy semen analyses, in order to verify that the procedure has been successful and that, indeed, no sperm are present in the ejaculate. Thus, during this entire period of time, a secondary contraceptive method must be employed until azoospermia is fully verified.
Another drawback to consider is that vasectomy does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Moreover, there exists a slight possibility of spontaneous reconnection and unintended pregnancy.
In this case, there is also a surgical vasectomy reversal procedure, which is commonly known as a vasovaseostomy. Nonetheless, this is a more complex procedure compared to vasectomy. In some instances, vasovasostomy does indeed allow for the recovery of sperm in the ejaculate, and therefore makes it possible to restore fertility. However, this technique does not always work. The more years that have passed since the vasectomy was performed, the lower the chances of success will be.
If this recanalyzation of the vase deferens turns out to be unsuccessful, the man may then choose to undergo a testicular biopsy in order to obtain sperm directly from the testicle, which can later be used in assisted reproduction techniques. Nonetheless, it is possible to directly opt for a testicular biopsy without first having a vasovasostomy if one wishes to become a father after a vasectomy.
This choice is particularly recommended for couples in which the woman is of older maternal age, since this factor decreases the likelihood of conceiving naturally. However, a good and practical option to avoid having to reverse a vasectomy or undergo a testicular biopsy later on is to freeze sperm samples before the vasectomy takes place.
This way, frozen sperm will be available in case the man wishes to have reproductive desires in the future. If you want to know more about how to get pregnant after a vasectomy, you can read the detailed article that I've linked for you in the description below.
