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Paternity after vasectomy with two previous semen analyses without spermatozoa.
Marcos Lucon1, Antonio Marmo Lucon, Fabio Firmbach Pasqualoto
1Department of Urology, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. mlucon@uol.com.br
Sao Paulo Medical Journal = Revista Paulista De Medicina
|July 13, 2007
Summary
Paternity is possible even after vasectomy, despite azoospermia. This rare case highlights the need for patient awareness regarding long-term vasectomy failure risks.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Vasectomy is a common form of male sterilization.
- Failure rates range from 0.2% to 5.3% due to technical issues or recanalization.
- Paternity after vasectomy is rare but documented.
Observation:
- A 44-year-old man fathered a child four years post-vasectomy.
- Semen analysis consistently showed azoospermia (no spermatozoa).
- DNA testing confirmed biological paternity.
Findings:
- Vasectomy failure can occur long-term, independent of semen analysis results.
- Azoospermia does not guarantee permanent sterility.
- Biological paternity was confirmed despite vasectomy.
Implications:
- Patients must be informed about the potential for late vasectomy failure.
- Contraceptive counseling should include the possibility of recanalization.
- Further research into long-term vasectomy efficacy and monitoring is warranted.
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