Vasectomies are gaining in popularity, thanks to concerns about the contraceptive pill. But the effectiveness of the procedure could be compromised by men failing to complete the "all-clear" semen tests that are conducted after the vasectomy. A recent study found that 25 percent of men who had vasectomies didn't return for any follow-up tests to make sure that they were shooting blanks. Worse still, an astonishing 80 percent didn't return for the final test that gives the "all-clear".
The researchers behind the study, at the Glickman Urological Institute, said that of the men who did attend their first (eight weeks after the vasectomy) test, a quarter provided samples that still contained sperm. This, according to the researchers, is of great concern. "Our results show that only three-quarters of the men in the study turned up for their eight-week sperm test, which means that a quarter of them had no idea whether the procedure had worked and whether their partner could still fall pregnant," said Dr Nivedita Dhar.
Dhar explained that urologists usually require two semen samples to confirm sterility and most request further samples if non-motile sperm are present. Doctors recommend that couples use additional contraception until vasectomy patients receive the all clear. "It is impossible to assess the true vasectomy failure rate in the full study sample as many failed to turn up for follow-up tests, despite careful counseling," Dhar lamented.
"What concerns us most is that a quarter of the men who had vasectomies did not return for any tests, despite us stressing the importance of these follow-ups," added Dhar. The results of the study, published in the journal BJU International, seem to be consistent with other research which has estimated that non-compliance among vasectomy patients is between 25 and 40 percent.
Director of the study, Dr J Stephen Jones, said simplifying the follow-up tests could improve compliance. But he warned that: "it is very important to stress that couples need to use additional contraception until the vasectomy patient has been given the all clear."
Source: BJU International
