Microsurgical Vasectomy Reversal
Robert U. Finnerty M.D. FACS
Microsurgical Vasectomy Reversal
Robert U. Finnerty M.D. FACS

Postoperative Fertility Follow Up

A full semen analysis (sperm count) should be performed 4-6 months after your repair. The timing of your follow-up semen analysis will depend on which type of surgery was performed. Counts obtained earlier than this time may be low or even zero due to surgical swelling, and testing too soon can lead to needless anxiety about your surgical outcome.

Keep in mind that, depending on the type of repair (VV vs. VE), there can be a wide variability in the time before sperm will be seen in the ejaculate fluid. In most patients who undergo primary vas-to-vas repair (VV), sperm will return to the ejaculate fluid within 3-6 months. Epididymal repairs (VE), on the other hand, can take considerably longer: It is unusual to see sperm before 6-9 months, and in many cases may take a year or more. This is due to the extremely delicate nature and small size of the epididymal tubule.

sperm count microscopicYour sperm count should be performed by an independent or hospital lab if you live outside of our area. We generally encourage patients to use a laboratory associated with a fertility clinic if possible, since the high volume of semen analysis assays they perform generally result in a more consistent and accurate result. Semen analysis is not an automated test, but depends on the training and experience of the lab technicians performing it to get accurate results. Be sure to verify that a full semen analysis is performed; labs will sometimes perform a post-vasectomy test, which only checks for the presence or absence of sperm, and provides no useful information regarding fertility.

Once you have found a suitable laboratory for you semen analysis, contact us so that we may send them a laboratory requisition.

Dr. Finnerty will review your results when available, and contact you to discuss them.

A list of representative infertility laboratories is listed here.

Costs for semen analysis can vary widely with different labs, so it may also be of benefit to check around with local laboratories regarding their pricing for this test.

More About Semen Analysis

Testimonials

A little over 5 years ago, my husband and I flew from Chicago to your office to have his vasectomy reversed. We both want you to know how grateful we are -- to you, to your staff, and for your expertise. Since the surgery, we have had Michael (almost 4!) and Mary Jo (10 months) ... We feel it is important for you to know what a difference you made in our lives, and what an awesome grace it was to have you as our surgeon. Words cannot convey how much we appreciate what you have made possible for us -- we will be eternally grateful!
C. & K.P., Chicago
Our family now has 7 blessings, 3 of which you had a very special part in. Thank you!
G.S., Alaska
My husband had his vasectomy nearly 13 years before the reversal, which resulted in the birth of our daughter.
R.B., California
My wife and I would like to give you and your staff a hearty "thank you" for the professionalism and care given us...following my son''s departure to our heavenly Father. Your calming manner and assurance that we had a reasonable chance at reattaching my vas deferens, which might allow us to get pregnant, was at fruition soon after our stay in Tacoma. 14 days following the procedure, my wife ... had become pregnant!. We lost our first son, and Dr. Finnerty, touched by God, enabled us to have another son ...
J.G., Washington
We wanted to share our delightful news with you. We were blessed with a beautiful baby daughter in October.
D.W, Oregon
I am writing to send our heartfelt thanks to you for your expertise. On September 9th, you performed my husband''s procedure. Three weeks later, we conceived our first daughter. She was born exactly 43 weeks post-op. Since then, we have welcomed a son and also another daughter. We''ll always be grateful.
M.H., Vancouver, WA
The reversal surgery was a great success! We are sorry we didn''t contact you sooner. Thank you again for your willingness to provide such a special service for families.
M.F., California
A child is God''s most precious gift. We joyfully announce the birth of our son.
J.C., Idaho
Thank you again for making possible the blessings God had in store for us in the way of children ...
T.P., Minnesota
We were very excited to learn just before Christmas that the surgery was a success. We saved the news for out kids until Christmas Eve and what a blessing their reaction was, it couldn''t have been a better Christmas present! We do thank you so much for providing your services at realistic fees, we could never have done it had there not been options other than what we found locally.
T.S., California
Thank you for helping our dreams come true.
J.W., Atlanta
We have been so excited about our new son and he has been such a joyous addition to our family ... Thank you so much for your devotion and belief in vasectomy reversal, we have been so blessed by our little guy. Of course, he can never take the place of our daughter who died, but he sure brings new joy to us ... Again, thank you for all you did! We have been so blessed....
M.M., Camas, WA
Our child is a true gift from God. God bless you for turning my vasectomy around after 30 years with so much care and love. We will always love you.
J.C., Tennessee
Easter blessings to you and your family from us. We are having a special celebration and invite you to join us -- we celebrate the life of our new daughter.
C.K., California
My husband had a vasectomy reversal four and one-half years ago performed by Dr. Finnerty. Three and one half years after, we were able to conceive a child. Our daughter is such a constant joy in our lives.
C.J., California