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Clearance after vasectomy: Has the time come to modify the current practice?
Abstract
Vasectomy is a simple, reliable and effective form of permanent contraception. Clearance after vasectomy has been the subject of much debate among urologists. Poor compliance with postvasectomy semen analysis is well recognized, with rates as low as 36%. This can leave the partner at risk of an unplanned pregnancy and, consequently, the surgeon at risk of litigation. Although there is no consensus about the requirements for postvasectomy clearance, urologists usually tend to request at least two azoospermic postvasectomy semen samples (PVSSs) before labelling patients as sterile. This study investigated whether simplifying the criteria for postvasectomy clearance can result in improved compliance.
Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched for studies on postvasectomy clearance. The main focus of the search was on the timing and number of PVSSs, their impact on patients' compliance and the significance of the rare non-motile sperm (RNMS).
It has been found that patients' compliance decreases when more than one PVSS is requested. One azoospermic PVSS can be as indicative of sterility as two azoospermic samples. There have been calls for a uniform protocol recommending only one routine sperm sample taken 16 weeks postoperatively. This period will allow the vasa and seminal vesicles to become clear of spermatozoa. A significant proportion of men will have RNMS in their semen after vasectomy; only 1% will ultimately fail. Therefore, RNMS samples can, for practical purposes, be considered azoospermic and one PVSS, even if containing RNMS, should be considered sufficient for clearance.
Provided that patients are adequately warned about the risk of vasectomy failure and appropriate consent is obtained, a single azoospermic PVSS at 16 weeks is sufficient for clearance. Patients with RNMS should be practically considered azoospermic and further sampling should be abandoned. This approach should improve patients' compliance. Evaluation in a prospective setting will be required to validate this conclusion.
... 3 However, these criteria could impact patient compliance and cost, 4 and available evidence suggested that less stringent criteria might lead to equivalent outcomes. 5 The guidelines defined VAS success as when "examination of 1 well-mixed, uncentrifuged fresh post-vasectomy semen specimen shows azoospermia or only rare nonmotile sperm ( 100,000 nonmotile sperm/ml)," which expanded the criteria of what is considered a successful VAS. ...
... This was based on published evidence that the risk of pregnancy with RNMS on a single PVSA was equivalent to the risk of 2 consecutive azoospermic samples, approximately 1 in 2,000. 5,13,14 However, the impact of the guidelines on clinical practice patterns has been uncertain. ...
Introduction:
The American Urological Association Vasectomy Guidelines published in 2012 defined vasectomy success as either azoospermia or rare nonmotile sperm (≤100,000 nonmotile sperm/ml). We sought to characterize nationwide practice patterns surrounding vasectomy followup before and after publication of the guidelines.
Methods:
Data were collected using the MarketScan® database. We identified men 18 to 64 years old undergoing vasectomy between 2007 and 2015 with at least 12 months of followup to track post-vasectomy semen analysis claims. Demographic data including age, vasectomy provider type and regionality were also queried. We compared the likelihood of men obtaining multiple post-vasectomy semen analyses before vs after the guidelines release with multivariate logistic regression. Linear regression was used examine time to first post-vasectomy semen analysis association with observed post-vasectomy semen analysis frequency trends.
Results:
We identified a total of 87,201 patients who underwent vasectomy between 2007 and 2015 and had at least 1 post-vasectomy semen analysis claim. Men undergoing vasectomy in the post-guideline years of 2013 to 2015 were at lower risk for requiring any repeat post-vasectomy semen analysis (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.66-0.71) and less likely to have had ≥3 post-vasectomy semen analyses (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.77-0.88) than those in the pre-guideline (2007 to 2012) cohort. Mean time to first post-vasectomy semen analysis was shorter in men who submitted multiple analyses (p <0.001).
Conclusions:
Within a nationally representative patient cohort, men required fewer repeat post-vasectomy semen analyses after publication of the 2012 guidelines. Further research on patient and provider characteristics affecting variations in vasectomy followup patterns and guideline adherence is needed.
... En la actualidad, el éxito de la vasectomía se describe como la presencia de azoospermia en el primer seminograma posvasectomía o un recuento de < 100.000 espermatozoides inmóviles por eyaculado, tras uno o 2 seminogramas consecutivos 3,4 . ...
Introduction:
Vasectomy is a safe and effective technique to achieve azoospermia, although the failure rate of the technique is less than 1%. Sterility is not immediate so the post-vasectomy seminogram continues o be essential to ensure the success of the technique. The aim of this trial is to establish the attitude when dealing with immobile residual sperm patients.
Material and methods:
Cross-sectional analysis of 2,168 vasectomies performed between January 2010 and March 2017. The first post-vasectomy seminogram was performed at 3 months. Those patients with azoospermia did not undergo further controls. Patients with immobile sperm (<100,000/ml o>100,000/ml) were considered potentially fertile and were followed with monthly seminograms until azoospermia was obtained.
Results:
Of a total of 1,807 patients were included; 1,297 of these had azoospermia at 3 months seminogram and 501 patients had immobile residual sperm. Only 24 patients of this last group showed more than 100.000 sperm/ml; 9 cases showed mobile sperm. All patients who presented immobile residual sperm underwent serial seminograms. Azoospermia was achieved in an average time of 4,5 months in a rage of 4-10 months, regardless of the initial sperm count. An average of 2,5 tests were performed on each patient. All of the patients with mobile sperm required a reintervention.
Conclusion:
All patients with immobile sperm on the first post-vasectomy seminogram will achieve azoospermia regardless of the initial count. Therefore, serial controls until a negative seminogram is obtained are unnecessary.
... Evidence now indicates that 1 sample at approximately 3 months after vasectomy provides the best balance between safety and confirmation of sterility while keeping the number of samples as low as possible. 6,9,10 However, the 2016 Canadian Urological Association guidelines still state that 2 samples are better than 1. 5 Despite good evidence and reasonable consensus on the timing and number of samples, noncompliance rates remain high. 11 Multiple studies have proposed reasons for noncompliance that include changes in partners or relationships, a high level of confidence in the procedure or physician, or poor communication about the importance of follow-up. ...
Objective:
To identify noncompliance rates for 3-month postvasectomy semen analysis (PVSA) in men who have undergone vasectomy and to explore the self-reported reasons for not completing the 3-month PVSA.
Design:
Retrospective chart review followed by semistructured telephone interviews.
Setting:
Two family medicine clinics in Saskatoon, Sask.
Participants:
Men from the clinics who had undergone vasectomy since 2009. A total of 99 patients completed telephone interviews.
Methods:
After a review of electronic medical records at 2 family medicine clinics, patients who had undergone vasectomy since 2009 were identified. Upon review of their charts, the number of patients who did not have PVSA results on file was determined. Some of these men were contacted with a predetermined telephone script to discuss reasons for noncompliance.
Main findings:
The combined noncompliance rate for the 2 clinics was high (60.5%). Three main reasons for not completing the PVSA were identified among the patient responses. These included patients feeling too busy to complete PVSA, patients feeling confident in the physician or procedure immediately after vasectomy, and patients feeling the PVSA process was too inconvenient. Our high noncompliance rates are consistent with other literature. However, the findings might also have been affected by the proportion of patients who had completed their PVSA who were not included in the telephone sample. Rates differed between the 2 clinics; the clinic with the higher compliance rate acts as an academic practice, with more time for appointments and fewer patients being referred from other physicians.
Conclusion:
Noncompliance rates for PVSA in this study were high. Three main reasons for noncompliance were identified that might help guide counseling opportunities in the future.
No-scalpel vasectomy Introduction: Vasectomy is a safe and effective technique of male fertility control. Despite this, in the world are carried out more than double female sterilization in comparison with vasectomies, that is more pronounced in less developed countries. Aims: To present our experience and results in patients undergoing a no-scalpel vasectomy. Methods and Material: A total of 309 patients undergoing a no-scalpel vasectomy between June 2009 and May 2010 were included. For each case was record age, operative time, sperm count at 3 months post vasectomy and peri-operative morbidity. Results: 309 vasectomies were performed, 281 patients (91%) were controlled with at least one sperm count. Azoospermia was obtained in the first sperm count at 3 months in 189 patients (67%). In 81 patients (29%) were observed ≤ 100,000 sperm 100% immobile. 9 patients (3.2%) needed a second semen analysis and 2 patients a third one for less than 100,000 sperm that were 100% immobile. 6 patients (2%) consulted by minor complications such as postoperative pain, epididymitis or hematoma with spontaneous resolution. Conclusions: Vasectomy is a safe and reproducible method of male contraception, presenting an effectiveness rates higher than others contraceptive methods. There are no absolute contraindications for performing the procedure. A sperm count should be done at 3 months of the procedure. The early failure rate in our study is 0.3%.
To evaluate the impact of the 2012 American Urological Association vasectomy guidelines on postvasectomy clinical outcomes in a highly mobile military cohort and compare these outcomes with those of civilian counterparts.
The records of service members who underwent vasectomy between January 2008 and December 2013 and provided at least 1 postvasectomy semen analysis (PVSA) were analyzed in the context of the 2012 guidelines. Time to occlusive success, repeat PVSAs and vasectomies, and health care cost savings were compared between our prior definition of vasectomy success, which required azoospermia, and the 2012 criteria, which included rare nonmotile sperm.
Of the 1623 men who underwent vasectomy, 738 men (45%) failed to submit a PVSA, leaving 895 men (55%) who provided at least 1 PVSA. A total of 1084 PVSAs were obtained in these men, who had a mean age of 37 ± 6 years. Defining success as azoospermia on first PVSA resulted in a sterility rate of 69%. After application of the 2012 guidelines, 845 patients (94%) achieved sterility by the first PVSA and more patients achieved sterility 60 days from vasectomy (96% vs 72%; P <.001). Inclusion of rare nonmotile sperm in our definition of success would have allowed 228 men to forego a second PVSA and prevented 2 (0.002%) unnecessary vasectomies, a savings of $6297.
PVSA compliance in our military cohort was similar to that of civilian counterparts. The American Urological Association vasectomy guidelines have the potential to decrease the number of repeat vasectomies and laboratory tests, improve the documented success rate, and increase follow-up compliance when applied to a military population.
Published by Elsevier Inc.
Introduction: Vasectomy is a safe and effective technique of male fertility control. Despite this, in the world are carried out more than double female sterilization in comparison with vasectomies, that is more pronounced in less developed countries. Aims: To present our experience and results in patients undergoing a no-scalpel vasectomy. Methods and Material: A total of 309 patients undergoing a no-scalpel vasectomy between June 2009 and May 2010 were included. For each case was record age, operative time, sperm count at 3 months post vasectomy and peri-operative morbidity. Results: 309 vasectomies were performed, 281 patients (91%) were controlled with at least one sperm count. Azoospermia was obtained in the first sperm count at 3 months in 189 patients (67%). In 81 patients (29%) were observed ≤ 100,000 sperm 100% immobile. 9 patients (3.2%) needed a second semen analysis and 2 patients a third one for less than 100,000 sperm that were 100% immobile. 6 patients (2%) consulted by minor complications such as postoperative pain, epididymitis or hematoma with spontaneous resolution. Conclusions: Vasectomy is a safe and reproducible method of male contraception, presenting an effectiveness rates higher than others contraceptive methods. There are no absolute contraindications for performing the procedure. A sperm count should be done at 3 months of the procedure. The early failure rate in our study is 0.3%.
Purpose:
We calculated the compliance rate and determined which population of men would be more or less likely to be compliant with semen analysis followup based on demographic information and complication rates.
Materials and methods:
We retrospectively reviewed the records of 946 consecutive patients who underwent vasectomy at an ambulatory clinic, as performed by 1 urologist. Standard followup consisted of a telephone call or prebooked appointment 2 months after vasectomy and 2 semen analyses 4 months after vasectomy.
Results:
Average ± SD patient age was 33.6 ± 5.4 years. Of the 946 study patients 47.9% did not submit a negative semen sample, 15.7% submitted 1 and 36.4% submitted the required 2 negative samples to confirm successful vasectomy according to the sampling protocol. Mean time to semen analysis was 4.53 ± 2.14 months. Complications included infection in 1.9% of cases, hematoma in 1% and sperm granuloma in 0.5%. Men 34 years or younger, men with 3 or more children and men without complications were more likely to be noncompliant with semen analysis.
Conclusions:
The number of men who provided samples for semen analysis in this study was low, although they were given written and verbal reminders. This poor patient compliance is similar to that in previous studies. We identified a subset of patients with poor compliance, which may allow urologists to target preprocedure counseling more appropriately.
Vasectomy is a safe and reliable means of contraception that is used by 42 million couples world-wide. There are no standardised guidelines in the follow-up of these patients to assess the efficacy of the procedure, however. Through this paper we aim to recommend a guideline that is both clinically effective and cost effective, and would avoid medicolegal debate.
A questionnaire was sent to consultant general surgeons and urologists working both within and outside the North-West region, to assess the range of protocols used in the follow-up of patients undergoing vasectomy.
Of respondents, 75% sent the vas deferens routinely for histology: 90.4% requested 2 sperm samples routinely whilst 4.8% requested 1 sample and 4.8% requested 3 samples. 95.2% requested further sperm samples if non-motile sperm were present. 98.8% performed their first sperm sample by 12 weeks.
There is a wide range of protocols used in the follow-up of patients post-vasectomy. Most do not appear to be evidence-based. We recommend a guideline which re-emphasises the importance of pre-operative counselling, only 1 routine sperm sample taken 16 weeks post-vasectomy, and further samples taken only if motile sperm is seen. Non-motile sperm is not an indication for further sperm samples. We believe this guideline would be both clinically effective and cost effective.
Vasectomy is regarded as the safest method now available for male fertility control. Almost 100 million men worldwide have relied on vasectomy for family planning. This review discusses all currently relevant operative techniques, including no-scalpel vasectomy, complications, possible long-term effects on the testis and epididymis, and diseases for which associations with vasectomy have been suggested, such as arteriosclerosis, autoimmune diseases and cancer of the prostate and testis. Other topics of discussion include the timing of post-operative semen analysis, patient noncompliance concerning post-operative controls, persistent cryptozoospermia and transient reappearance of spermatozoa after vasectomy, vasectomy failure and legal aspects.
Seminal assays after vasectomy show in many cases that motile sperms have disappeared but non-motile sperms are still present. Whether these non-motile sperms can cause pregnancy is controversial. Some clinicians advise patients in such cases that they are no longer fertile. Others insist that tests should be repeated until azoospermia is complete. If the first view is correct many men are being subjected to unnecessary testing and delay. To test the hypothesis that non-motile sperms do not cause pregnancy we followed up after one year 200 men in whom the presence of residual non-motile sperms in postvasectomy seminal assays had been disregarded. The authors hypothesis is that after vasectomy non-motile sperms do not cause pregnancies, and this hypothesis has not been disproved to date.
The records of 1,029 consecutive patients undergoing bilateral vasectomy were reviewed. Of the 1,029 patients 375 (36%) never returned postoperatively and the partners of 2 of these 375 later became pregnant. A total of 560 patients (54%) was followed until the recommended demonstration of azoospermia occurred on 2 consecutive occasions. There were 84 patients (8%) who did not return after the first demonstration of azoospermia, while 7 (1%) still had sperm in the semen at the last examination. Three other patients had persistent nonmotile sperm postoperatively; 2 of them underwent repeat vasectomy followed by azoospermia and 1 was placed in a special clearance category of sterility as described. We discuss practical and legal considerations regarding the management of noncompliant patients.
Between 1980 and 1985, 6067 out-patient vasectomies were performed under local anaesthesia at the Elliot Smith Clinic in Oxford. During this period 151 men (2.5%) were given a "special clearance". This sanctioned the discontinuation of other forms of contraception despite the persistence of scanty (less than 10,000/ml) sperm in 2 consecutively examined semen samples at least 7 months after vasectomy. These men have been reviewed and further specimens of semen requested after a minimum follow-up of 3 years (range 3-8); 50 patients supplied a specimen and all except 1 were azoospermic. No pregnancies attributable to failure of the vasectomy have been identified.
Most authors have not differentiated between early and late recanalization following bilateral vasectomy for sterilization. Their reported recanalization rates probably reflect only early recanalization. Long-term follow-up semen examinations are required to document late recanalization. This regimen may be unacceptable to some patients and physicians. No symptomatic postvasectomy complication preceded the recanalization.
From April 1970 to December 1980, 14 047 men underwent vasectomy for sterilisation under local anaesthetic at this clinic. In each man sterility was confirmed by two analyses of semen showing azoospermia. Allowing for a minimum follow up of three years, the wives of six of these men subsequently became pregnant between 16 months and three years after vasectomy. Analyses of semen confirmed recanalisation of the vasa deferentia in all six men. Only five similar cases initially fulfilling the same criteria for sterility have previously been reported. Full account of the rare possibility of recanalisation should be taken both when couples are counselled preoperatively and when pregnancy occurs after the male partner has been confirmed to be sterile.
Sixteen thousand, seven hundred and ninety-six men underwent vasectomy between 1970 and December 1983 and have been reviewed. Post-operative side effects were few and significant complications were reported in 0.9%. Failure to achieve sterility occurred in 72 men, 69 of whom have been analysed. The early recanalisation rate was 0.36%. This rate was not influenced by the operative technique used, but varied markedly between individual surgeons. Experience and care with technique should result in a failure rate of 0.2% or better. There were six cases of late recanalisation in men previously thought sterile by two consecutive azoospermic analyses 4 months after vasectomy.
PIP
16,796 men underwent vasectomy between 1970-December 1983 and have been reviewed. Postoperative side effects were minimal and significant complications were reported in 0.9%. Failure to achieve sterility occurred in 72 men, 69 of whom have been analyzed. The early recanalization rate was 0.36%. This rate was not influenced by the operative technique used, but varied markedly between individual surgeons. Experience and care with technique should result in a failure rate of 0.2% or better. There were 6 cases of late recanalization in men previously thought sterile by 2 consecutive azoospermic analyses 4 months after vasectomy.
We determined the incidence of sperm in the ejaculate before vasectomy reversal, and correlated this result with intraoperative and postoperative findings.
Before vasectomy reversal semen was analyzed and granulomas were palpated in 186 men. The results were correlated with intraoperative vasal fluid and postoperative semen analyses.
Of 18 men (9.7%) with sperm present in the pre-reversal analysis 94% had sperm in at least 1 vas intraoperatively. The presence of palpable granulomas at the vasectomy site did not correlate with either pre-reversal or post-reversal semen analyses, or the presence of sperm in the vasal fluid intraoperatively.
Sperm are present in 9.7% of pre-reversal ejaculates and predict sperm in at least 1 vas intraoperatively. These findings also suggest the possibility of late vasectomy failures.
To determine the rate of, and main indications for, repeat vasectomy in our department, and to assist in policy-making procedures by determining how urologists in England and Wales manage those men who show small but persistent quantities of motile or non-motile spermatozoa in their ejaculate after vasectomy.
A retrospective review of all of the vasectomies and repeat vasectomies performed by the Urology Department at Southmead Hospital during a 14-month period was undertaken to determine the rate of and indications for repeat vasectomy. Subsequently, every consultant urologist in England and Wales was canvassed with a questionnaire to determine whether they repeated vasectomy in the presence of persistent motile or non-motile sperms and if so, after what time interval. Any experience of pregnancies arising from these groups was also assessed, and any relevant comments invited.
The local review revealed that 5% of all vasectomies were repeated within 6-36 months. Of these, 87% were performed because of persistent sperms in post-vasectomy semen samples, the majority of which showed sperm concentrations of one in 50 to one in 100 high-power fields. A response of 56% was obtained to the questionnaire and of those responding, 23% never repeated a vasectomy where there were presistent non-motile sperms, but almost all urologists would eventually repeat vasectomy where motile sperms were present. The median interval between the first and second vasectomies was 6 months and 12 months for motile and non-motile sperm, respectively. Apart from those cases already published, there was little experience of pregnancy arising from men with persistently few motile or non-motile sperms.
The risk of pregnancy occurring in the presence of non-motile sperms was estimated to be less than the established risk of late recanalization, and this survey provides both logical and medico-legal support for issuing a 'special clearance' to men with few persistent non-motile sperm after vasectomy, providing the risks of pregnancy are properly discussed and documented. For motile sperm, however, there appears to be a stronger precedent for repeating the vasectomy. The technique used for post-vasectomy semen analysis was also an important consideration when determining any policy regarding such cases.
To determine the incidence of positive semen analysis 12 months after vasectomy clearance.
A prospective study was undertaken, starting in 1990, of men undergoing vasectomy. Azoospermia was confirmed by two successive semen analyses 16 weeks after vasectomy. One year later a further sample was analysed for the presence of sperm.
Of 1000 men who provided a sample for analysis, six men (0.6%) have had positive semen analyses 1 year after the initial tests showed azoospermia. In all six the sperm count was <10,000 per mL. Five of the six men produced a repeat sample 1 month later which, in all five cases, showed azoospermia. No pregnancies have been reported to date.
Transitory reappearance of sperm following successful vasectomy occurs in about 0.6% of men. This incidence is 18 times greater than the reported pregnancy rate following successful vasectomy.
Fatherhood after vasectomy is rare. We describe 6 cases of DNA-proven fatherhood after vasectomy in association with persistently negative semen examination. All vasectomy patients and their partners should be counselled about the small possibility of late failure, and warning of failure should be recorded.
PIP
This short report describes 6 cases of vasectomized fathers who have negative semen analyses. The cases occurred between 1984 and 1991. Paternity was proven by deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analyses of blood samples taken from father and child. All children were normal. All the men had had 2 consecutive negative semen analyses after vasectomy. They continued to have negative samples after pregnancy occurred; 1 man had 8 such tests. The men must have been producing sperm intermittently. At Churchill Hospital, Oxford, semen from 1000 men, who had had two consecutive negative tests the year before, was examined. 6 (0.6%) samples were positive, although none of these cases were associated with pregnancy. The sperm counts were less than 10,000/ml and repeat testing a month later showed negative results. Since the possibility of late failure of vasectomy is at least 1 in 2000 and this failure is a common cause of legal action, clients should receive a warning that is on record.
To determine the percentage of patients with nonmotile sperm 12 weeks after vasectomy, to estimate the time needed for eventual azoospermia in these patients, and to record the percentage of patients with recurrence of nonmotile sperm after initial azoospermia after vasectomy.
A review of the semen analysis of vasectomies performed in a 2-year period. Semen analysis in a group of volunteers from 4 months until 24 months after vasectomy.
Vasectomies performed in an outpatient department of the University Hospital of Maastricht.
Men referred by the general practitioner for a vasectomy.
Vasectomy.
Amount and motility of sperm in postvasectomy semen samples.
Nonmotile sperm was found in 33% of the patients 12 weeks after vasectomy. The mean time to azoospermia was 6.36 months. Nonmotile sperm after initial azoospermia was found in 5 of 65 patients.
Azoospermia as a criterion for sterility leads to unnecessary prolonged semen analysis in a large percentage of the vasectomized patients. Reappearance of nonmotile sperm was found in an unexpectedly high percentage.
To determine the postoperative instruction compliance rate in men undergoing bilateral vasectomy.
Retrospective chart review.
Private practice urological office.
The records of all patients undergoing vasectomy were reviewed to determine the rate of compliance with postvasectomy follow-up instructions. It is our policy to have the patient continue to use some form of birth control until he achieves two consecutive negative semen analyses 1 month apart. In addition, we recommend a yearly semen analysis after achieving sterility to screen for the rare patient who recanalizes. Postvasectomy follow-up instructions are given to the patient both verbally and in writing.
None.
The records of 1,892 consecutive patients undergoing vasectomy were reviewed, and the results of semen analyses were noted to determine the rate of compliance with postvasectomy follow-up instructions.
Six hundred forty-four men (34%) never returned after vasectomy and, therefore, no semen analyses were available for examination. Six hundred nineteen men (33%) returned for a single semen analysis. Six hundred twenty-nine men (33%) returned for a second negative semen analysis. Only 60 men (3%) completed postvasectomy follow-up instructions and returned for a yearly semen analysis.
The rate of compliance with postvasectomy follow-up instructions for determining sterility is poor.
To review the practice in two hospitals with differing protocols in the timing of seminal analysis after vasectomy.
The results from 245 vasectomies carried out at Hospital A, where semen was assessed 3 months after vasectomy, were reviewed and compared with those from 100 consecutive vasectomies at Hospital B, where semen was assessed 6 months after vasectomy. The results of seminal analysis at Hospital A were also audited after changing to the 6-month protocol. The patients' preferences for the timing of seminal analysis were also obtained.
Of the 245 patients at Hospital A, 58 (24%) failed to provide samples, leaving 187 (76%) for evaluation; 528 samples were examined (mean 2.8 per patient, range 1-13). The first sample was positive in 36 (19.3%) and the second positive in 10 (5.3%), the first being negative. Four (2%) patients had persistent spermatozoa at 6 months, one subsequently undergoing exploration. Thirty-one (17%) patients provided further samples despite providing two consecutive clear ones. At Hospital B, 24 (24%) patients failed to provide samples; 10 (13%) patients had persistent spermatozoa at 6 months and live spermatozoa were detected in one patient's samples. All eventually produced clear samples, with none requiring exploration. After changing the protocol, 87 vasectomies were performed, with 18 (21%) patients failing to provide samples; seven (10%) of the samples collected showed occasional nonmotile spermatozoa at 6 months in either the first, second or both samples, with all samples clear by 8 months after vasectomy.
The complete disappearance of spermatozoa after vasectomy takes longer than is generally believed and we therefore suggest that given adequate counselling, seminal analysis 6 months after vasectomy is cost-effective and in the patient's interest.
Around 42 million couples worldwide rely on vasectomy as a method of family planning. It is well recognised that a vasectomy can fall at any stage, and therefore warning couples of risk of failure forms an important part of the consent procedure.
To assess patient compliance for semen analysis after vasectomy, and to determine the timing and number of semen analyses required to confirm sterility.
The study included 1321 men who underwent vasectomy between October 1995 and June 1998. They were followed up in two groups; in group 1 (one-test method) 961 consecutive patients were asked to provide a semen sample for analysis 4 months after vasectomy. Sterility was defined as the absence of sperm in one sample. If sperm were present in the sample, the test was repeated at monthly intervals until there were no sperm. In group 2 (two-test method) 360 consecutive patients were advised to provide semen samples 3 and 4 months after vasectomy. The absence of sperm in two consecutive samples was defined as the criterion to declare the man azoospermic. The presence of sperm in one sample required further samples every month until two consecutive azoospermic samples were produced.
In group 1, 810 patients provided semen samples, of which 783 (97%) had no sperm and the men were thus declared azoospermic. The remaining 27 (3%) samples contained sperm; six men withdrew from follow-up at various times but 21 patients produced a negative sample at some time within 7 months and were declared azoospermic. At the end of the follow-up, 804 (84%) patients had been declared azoospermic. In group 2, 294 (82%) patients provided a semen sample after 3 months but only 259 (72%) did so after 4 months. Of the patients providing the first sample, 287 (98%) were azoospermic, and after the second 252 (97%) were azoospermic. At the end of the follow-up 255 (71%) patients were declared azoospermic. There was no reported paternity in any of the men.
These results suggest that compliance was better in group 1; when the patients in group 2 were asked to provide a second sample the compliance decreased significantly. The percentage of patients producing an azoospermic sample was similar for semen provided after 3 and 4 months. Thus, provided that the patient is adequately warned about the risk of failure of the vasectomy at any time during his life, a single semen analysis after 3 months is sufficient grounds for discontinuing other contraceptive precautions.
This study aimed to examine the criteria used by surgeons in a district general hospital to confirm success following vasectomy, to establish the proportion of men undergoing vasectomy in whom the procedure was unsuccessful according to those criteria, and to evaluate their subsequent management.
All 15 surgeons performing vasectomy indicated that they required two consecutive azoospermic postvasectomy semen specimens before they advised couples that the vasectomy was successful. Results of postvasectomy semen analysis (PVSA) for all 240 primary vasectomies performed over a 12-month interval were analysed. Minimum follow-up was 30 (range 30-42; median 37) months.
At follow-up 72 men (30 per cent) had not returned postvasectomy samples that fulfilled the criteria, including 18 who were azoospermic on the first PVSA 3 months after vasectomy but who failed to produce a second specimen. In 24 men (10 per cent) who failed to comply with the PVSA protocol, there was no documentation of any further action being taken. No pregnancies were reported in the partners of the study group during this interval and only one patient underwent repeat vasectomy.
The results suggest that the strict requirement of two consecutive azoospermic postvasectomy semen specimens may be unjustified, leads to a high level of non-compliance and causes unnecessary delay in confirming success of the procedure.
Vasectomy is regarded as the safest method now available for male fertility control. Almost 100 million men worldwide have relied on vasectomy for family planning. This review discusses all currently relevant operative techniques, including no-scalpel vasectomy, complications, possible long-term effects on the testis and epididymis, and diseases for which associations with vasectomy have been suggested, such as arteriosclerosis, autoimmune diseases and cancer of the prostate and testis. Other topics of discussion include the timing of post-operative semen analysis, patient noncompliance concerning post-operative controls, persistent cryptozoospermia and transient reappearance of spermatozoa after vasectomy, vasectomy failure and legal aspects.
To examine patient compliance, complications, and significance of rare nonmotile sperm (RNMS) after no-scalpel vasectomy.
We reviewed the records of 690 consecutive men who had undergone vasectomy at our institution between 1996 and 2002. All men were instructed to submit two initial semen samples for analysis (3 and 4 months after vasectomy) and additional samples (at 2-month intervals) if sperm were identified on the initial and subsequent analyses. All patient complaints (telephone and clinic visit) were recorded.
A total of 315 men (45.6%) did not submit any semen samples. Of the 295 men who submitted two samples, 176 (60%) were azoospermic, 110 (37%) had RNMS, and 9 men (3%) had rare motile sperm (the vasectomy of 1 of these 9 men subsequently failed). Of the 110 men with RNMS, 83 submitted one or more additional semen samples. Of these 83 men, 62 (75%) had become azoospermic, 20 (24%) had persistent RNMS, and 1 (1%) subsequently had a failed vasectomy (with motile sperm). The 2 patients with failure underwent a repeat vasectomy (failure rate 0.67% [2 of 295]). A total of 69 patients (10%) reported a complaint, but only 9 (1.5%) of these men returned for clinical examination. No surgical complications and no pregnancies occurred.
Our data show that despite aggressive counseling, compliance with follow-up testing is very poor. Patient-reported complaints are common but minor. We found that most men with RNMS become azoospermic and propose that the presence of RNMS is consistent with a successful vasectomy. However, long-term, prospective studies are needed to assess the risk of late failure in men with RNMS.
Many family physicians perform outpatient vasectomies in their office. Postvasectomy semen analysis (PVSA) is critical to establish the success of this sterilization procedure. We investigated the compliance rate of our patients with the PVSA over a 10-year period.
To determine compliance rates of men who have undergone vasectomy for recommended PVSA, a retrospective chart review in a private family practice clinic was performed. The records of all patients who underwent vasectomy from 1991 to 2001 were reviewed. Patients are instructed to return at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year for semen specimen evaluation to determine vasectomy success.
Records of 551 patients were reviewed. The age of the patient at the time of the vasectomy and number of PVSAs were evaluated. PVSA compliance rates were also correlated with age.
In total, 233 (42%) men did not return for 6-week, 3-month, or 1-year PVSA. Of 551 men, 318 (58%) returned for 6-week PVSA, and 138 (25%) returned for 3-month PVSA. Only 44 (8%) of the 551 eligible for a 1-year analysis returned for PVSA.
Compliance with instructions to men undergoing vasectomy to return for PVSA is low both from the perspective of this study, as well as other studies evaluated. Older men are more likely to return for PVSA.
To examine patient compliance, significance of rare nonmotile sperm (RNMS) and to determine the timing and number of semen analyses required to confirm sterility.
From November 2001 to November 2004, 436 consecutive primary vasectomies were performed by one surgeon. All patients were instructed to submit two initial semen specimens for analysis (2 and 3 months after vasectomy) and additional samples (at 1-month intervals) if sperm were identified on the initial and subsequent analyses.
A quarter of the patients submitted no semen specimens and only 21% followed the full instructions to provide two consecutive negative semen analyses. Three-quarters of the patients provided a semen specimen at 8 weeks after vasectomy; of these, 75% were azoospermic and 25% contained sperm. At 12 weeks after vasectomy half the patients provided a semen specimen; of these, 91% were azoospermic and 9% contained sperm. Of the 83 patients with semen containing sperm at 8 weeks, 80 had RNMS and three had rare motile sperm (one of whom subsequently proved to have vasectomy failure). Of the 80 patients with RNMS, at 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 11 months, 65, four, three, four, two, one and one, respectively were azoospermic.
The present results indicate that many patients are not compliant with the protocol after vasectomy. Provided patients have been adequately counselled, we think that one negative semen analysis at 3 months or one with RNMS at 2 months may be adequate to determine the success of vasectomy. This should reduce the number of semen analyses, including reducing the number of men who must undergo repeat testing, without sacrificing the accuracy of determining paternity. Simplifying the follow-up after vasectomy is important; not only would it be cost-effective but it may also improve patient compliance.
Consent to treatment. London: Medical Defence Union; 1996: p 14
- J Gilberthorpe
- K H Attar
Gilberthorpe J. Consent to treatment. London: Medical Defence Union; 1996: p 14. 150 K. H. Attar et al. Scand J Urol Nephrol Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by SUNY State University of New York at Stony Brook on 10/31/14 For personal use only.
Consent to treatment. London: Medical Defence Union
- J Gilberthorpe
Vasectomy follow-up: clinical significance of rare nonmotile sperm in postoperative semen analysis
- A Chawla
- B Boweles
- A Zini
- Philp T
- Edwards IS