How Long After A Vasectomy Will I Become Completely Sterile?

List Your Facility Search GO

• Vasectomy
  • Vasectomy
  • Procedure
  • FAQ
  • Resources
  • Alternatives
• Vasectomy-Reversal
  • Vasectomy-Reversal
  • Procedure
  • FAQ
  • Resources
  • Alternatives
• Sperm Banking
  • Sperm Banking
• Find a Doctor
• Ask a Doctor

List Your Facility × Find Vasectomy Doctors Search Popular Cities

• Atlanta
• Dallas
• New York
• San Diego
• Boston
• Houston
• Orlando
• San Francisco
• Charlotte
• Los Angeles
• Philadelphia
• Seattle
• Chicago
• Miami
• Phoenix
• Washington DC

Search

• Home
• >
• All Questions
• >
• Vasectomy
• >
• How long after a vasectomy will I become completely sterile?

How long after a vasectomy will I become completely sterile? Tweet

Answers from doctors (9)

Ranjith Ramasamy M.D.

Published on Feb 18, 2017

It takes unto eight to 16 weeks after vasectomy. There is a small chance of recanalization even after no sperm is seen after eight to 16 weeks.

Answered by Ranjith Ramasamy M.D.

It takes unto eight to 16 weeks after vasectomy. There is a small chance of recanalization even after no sperm is seen after eight to 16 weeks.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Leonid Kotkin, MD

Published on Jul 06, 2015

The life cycle of sperm is 63 days. You are expected to be sterile that needs to be confirmed by semen analysis, typically, twice.

Answered by Leonid Kotkin, MD

The life cycle of sperm is 63 days. You are expected to be sterile that needs to be confirmed by semen analysis, typically, twice.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Stephen F. Shaban, MD

Published on Jul 03, 2015

A safe time period to say, would be approximately 3 months after vasectomy with weekly ejaculations.

Answered by Stephen F. Shaban, MD

A safe time period to say, would be approximately 3 months after vasectomy with weekly ejaculations.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

More About Doctor Ronald E. Anglade, MD

Published on Jul 01, 2015

Generally, After a vasectomy, I will check a semen specimen after 3months and at least 12 ejaculations.At that point I expect sperm to be absent from the specimen. Some physicians will want to check another specimen 6-12 weeks later to confirm sterility.

Answered by Ronald E. Anglade, MD (View Profile)

Generally, After a vasectomy, I will check a semen specimen after 3months and at least 12 ejaculations.At that point I expect sperm to be absent from the specimen. Some physicians will want to check another specimen 6-12 weeks later to confirm sterility.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Michael J. Karasis, MD

Published on Jul 01, 2015

Don't think in terms of time; rather think in terms of the number of ejaculates once resuming intercourse after the vasectomy. I usually require 25 ejaculates to have happened post-vasectomy and then I get a sperm count to be sure there are no remaining sperm

Answered by Michael J. Karasis, MD

Don't think in terms of time; rather think in terms of the number of ejaculates once resuming intercourse after the vasectomy. I usually require 25 ejaculates to have happened post-vasectomy and then I get a sperm count to be sure there are no remaining sperm

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Marc Goldstein, MD, FACS

Published on Jul 01, 2015

80% of men will be sterile after 15 ejaculations or 6 weeks after a vasectomy. It is important to have a semen analysis at that point to confirm absence of live sperm before stopping contraception.

Answered by Marc Goldstein, MD, FACS

80% of men will be sterile after 15 ejaculations or 6 weeks after a vasectomy. It is important to have a semen analysis at that point to confirm absence of live sperm before stopping contraception.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Steven K. Sterzer, MD

Published on Jul 01, 2015

Sterility is achieved by ejaculation which clears out the remaining stored sperm cells. The vast majority of men are sterile after 15 ejaculations.

Answered by Steven K. Sterzer, MD

Sterility is achieved by ejaculation which clears out the remaining stored sperm cells. The vast majority of men are sterile after 15 ejaculations.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Ira D. Sharlip, MD

Published on Jul 01, 2015

The time from vasectomy to sterility (a zero sperm count) depends partially on the surgical technique that was used to occlude (block off) the vas deferens. Almost all patients are sterile by 6-16 weeks after vasectomy.

Answered by Ira D. Sharlip, MD

The time from vasectomy to sterility (a zero sperm count) depends partially on the surgical technique that was used to occlude (block off) the vas deferens. Almost all patients are sterile by 6-16 weeks after vasectomy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Anand M. Dhanda, MD, FACS

Published on Jul 01, 2015

When semen analysis shows NO sperms

Answered by Anand M. Dhanda, MD, FACS

When semen analysis shows NO sperms

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Related Questions for Vasectomy

How long after a vasectomy can I ejaculate? Vasectomy -3 answers See More Is it harmful to masturbate in the first week after vasectomy? Vasectomy -2 answers See More I had a vasectomy 3 years ago. My girlfriend says she is pregnant. Could this be possible? Vasectomy -9 answers She does not know i had a vasectomy. What should i do? See More It has been 7 days after my vasectomy and I don’t have any semen when I orgasm. Is this normal? Vasectomy -6 answers See More I had a vasectomy several weeks ago and everything was fine. Now I am ejaculating blood. Is this normal? Vasectomy -8 answers Blood in ejaculation, for two days now. See More After a vasectomy where does the sperm go? Vasectomy -4 answers See More Is it ok to have an erection right after a vasectomy? Vasectomy -5 answers Will it cause any harm even though i have no intercourse? See More Will it cause long-term damage if I ejaculate too soon after a vasectomy? Vasectomy -4 answers My doctor says to wait two weeks before ANY kind of sexual activity. The literature says one week. Can ejaculation cause damage to the vas deferens if it's too soon? See More How long do I have to wait to have sex after a vasectomy? Vasectomy -7 answers After the vasectomy procedure, am I infertile right away? Or do I need to wait for a certain amount of time to pass after the procedure? See More How often after a vasectomy should i do a sperm count test? Vasectomy -7 answers I want to make sure the ends do not reconnect and my count remains at 0. See More Get answers from our experienced doctors. How it works ASK A DOCTOR I have a small lump after having a Vasectomy 2 weeks ago. Will it go away on its own or should i see a doctor? Vasectomy -6 answers The lump is not painful. See More Why are my testicles still sore after 2 1/2 months? Vasectomy -6 answers Why are my testicles still sore after 2 1/2 months? They feel as if they have been flicked or kicked. They are very sensitive. See More I ejaculate a very small volume, less than a 1/2 tsp. I had a vasectomy about 25 years ago. The volume does seem to have decreased over time Vasectomy -7 answers Also, my testicles are much smaller now. Is this normal? I'm 57 years old See More Can a vasectomy affect testosterone levels? Vasectomy -4 answers See More Do I need to see a urologist for a vasectomy? Do other types of doctors perform this procedure? Vasectomy -14 answers See More Will I see a change in my sex life after a vasectomy? Vasectomy -13 answers I would like to get a vasectomy after we're done having children, but am worried that it will affect our sex life. See More How much does a vasectomy cost without insurance? Vasectomy -9 answers I am a veteran who is covered by the VA. However, the VA does not cover vasectomies, so I'd have to pay for the procedure out-of-pocket. How much does a vasectomy cost? See More Is it okay to have oral sex a few days after a vasectomy, as long as my wife is careful? Vasectomy -3 answers See More How much swelling is normal after a vasectomy? Vasectomy -4 answers After a vasectomy, is it normal for it to swell to the size of a baseball on just 1 side? See More What is the age requirement for a Vasectomy? I am 18 years old. Vasectomy -5 answers I understand what most any doctor would say, "you're too young and your brain isn't developed', but i know i don't want children ever. Can doctors perform vasectomies on 18 year olds? See More Get answers from our experienced doctors. How it works ASK A DOCTOR

Related Articles

{{article.title}} Have specific questions? ASK A DOCTOR

• Advertise
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Supplemental Terms

Advertise Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Terms & Conditions Supplemental Terms Connect © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands

Sections

• Treatments & Info
• Find a Doctor
• Ask a Doctor

About

• Contact Us
• About
• List a Practice
• Corporate

Our Network

• JustBreastImplants
• SkinCareGuide
• PlasticSurgeons
• Derma Network
• VeinDirectory

Affiliations

• eDoctors
• WebMD Directory
• Vitals

Policies

• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Supplemental Terms
• Cookie Settings
• Your Privacy Choices
• Consumer Health Data Notice

© 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands

Connect With Us!

© 2019 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands