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Question
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My husband just had a vasectomy. Everything went fine but we were both so nervous about it that
I don't think we understood exactly what we are supposed to do now. He remembers the doctor saying
something about ten ejaculations before we stop using other forms of birth control, but I thought
he said something about 30 days. Obviously, I don't want to get pregnant right after we have taken
such a large step, but we are anxious to "take it for a ride" if you know what I mean. What is the
proper procedure?
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Answer
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Following a vasectomy, it is important for the remaining sperm in a man's body to be "flushed out of
the system" for lack of a better term. A vasectomy prevents sperm from leaving the seminiferous tubules
in the testicles and passing up the vas deferens. However, any sperm already in the pipeline can still
cause pregnancy. It is a combination of the number of ejaculations and time that will assure he is truly
"shooting blanks." Actually, you both heard correctly. The ideal is to wait for 30 days or about ten
ejaculations, whichever comes last. So, no being macho and masturbating ten times in an hour! You have
waited this long, make sure the procedure was not in vain.
After you think enough time and/or ejaculations have passed, the best course of action is for him to return
to his doctor's office with a sample of ejaculatory fluid for a sperm count test. Call your doctor's office
to find out the best way to get the fresh sample to them. This will assure that the vasectomy was performed
successfully and you can begin to forgo other forms of contraception. In the meantime, continue using whatever
form of birth control you were using prior to the procedure and enjoy!
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Best,
Dr. Sandor Gardos
MyPleasure provides up-to-date and useful sexual education materials in combination
with a store that allows people to buy, try, and learn about new aspects of
sexuality. We believe everybody deserves a great sex life.
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