Frequently asked questions

Sperm incrementally moves up the foot-long vas deferens with each ejaculation. After the blockage is created in the scrotal portion of each vas during a vasectomy, it takes about 20 ejaculations and two months to completely clear out all of the sperm to achieve a zero count.  During that time, a man is firing live rounds of ammo and is still very fertile, so continued contraception (such as condoms or female birth control)  is required until a semen analysis is obtained approximately 3 months after vasectomy.

Egg retrievals are considered minor surgical procedures and are done under anesthesia. Patients are sleeping and comfortable while breathing on their own. Patients may experience minor cramping after the procedure. This can generally be treated with over the counter pain medications and should improve in 1-2 days after the retrieval.

Optimal sperm quality is seen with ejaculation 2-3 times per week. More frequent ejaculations than once a day can result in diluted semen with less sperm. Less frequent ejaculations can result in lower motility and lower sperm quality. During the fertile window, studies show that it is best to have intercourse every other day or daily to optimize the chances for conception.

Approximately 1-2% of men who undergo vasectomy will have chronic pain. This rate is lower with the no-scalpel no-needle technique used by Dr. Coward. Most post-vasectomy pain is mild and resolved on its own. Rarely, men will have significant pain that does not improve. Reversing the vasectomy can improve or resolve the pain in many cases.

There are many things in our modern world that are toxic to sperm. This includes tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, some unregulated supplements, certain prescription medications, and environmental chemicals. Treatment for cancer (chemotherapy or radiation) is often bad for sperm. In recent years, use of testosterone has become one of the most common causes for poor sperm counts. Use of testosterone shuts down sperm production.

The low-end cutoffs for a normal semen analysis are a volume of 1.4 mL, a sperm concentration of 16 million/mL, sperm motility of 42%, and strict morphology of 4%. Keep in mind that these cutoffs don’t determine normal or abnormal, or fertile or infertile; these numbers are all on a long continuum of normal fertility.

Yes, all forms of cannabis negatively impact sperm quality. The effect is variable but is often moderate to severe. Products that can impact sperm quality include smoking marijuana, gummies, edibles, oils, etc.

Success rates are often very individualized, so these numbers are difficult to provide.  After a patient comes in with his partner and has a full evaluation, including history and physical exam, a detailed expectation of success rates can be provided. On average, at 5 years, around 95% of males will have successful return of sperm to the ejaculate. At 10 years, it’s around 80%. Even when the vasectomy interval is over 15 or 20 years, the success rates of return of sperm will be lower, but they remain around 50%.

It can take up to 6 months for these chemicals to leave your body completely and 3 months for a complete cycle of sperm production.

Most foods and drinks are safe to consume in moderation. Studies have shown that the ingredients in soda do not impact sperm production when consumed within reason.

No, it is not possible to improve sperm numbers overnight. The sperm production cycle takes about 3 months so it can take this long to see the benefit of lifestyle changes. Prior to a semen analysis, IUI, or IVF sperm collection, we recommend 24-48 hours of abstinence to optimize sperm volume and quality.