QuestionQUESTION: I had a vasectomy done on 7/7/08 and am supposed to take a sample back to the Dr that did the procedure, the problem is I just can't see paying the man $150 just to take a look at the sample under a microscope. I was wondering just how difficult it would be for me to do this myself? What power microscope would I need? It seems to me that if there are no sperm in the semen it shouldn't be all that hard to discern this. Any and all information you could provide would be most appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Scott
ANSWER: Dear Scott,
Just having sperm is not enough. You are correct in that viewing sperm is not that difficult. You will need at least a 20X lense and a coverslip. However, you are fooling yourself if you think that is all there is to it. I don't know exactly what your doc is planning to do, but you need to have a formal semen analysis. The first one should not be done until at least 3 months after the surgery. That is because semen production is in 3 month (90 day) cycles. Having had a vasectomy will down-regulate the sperm production and the initial results may be low.
The reason for a semen analysis is to know exactly what you are working with. There are minimum numbers required to cause pregnancy. Many times, the vasectomy reversal works but the numbers are insufficient. In that case you have to use some form of fertility treatment to get a successful pregnancy. Ask your doc if he is doing a formal complete semen analysis. If he is, I would recommend that you have it done. If not, then I would recommend that you request it to be done in a formal lab.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D.
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Dear Dr. Ramirez,
Thank you for your prompt reply. I truly do appreciate it. However, I believe there has been a miscommunication somewhere. Please allow me to clarify myself. Iam NOT interested in any way, shape or form in impregnating any woman, hence the reason for the vasectomy. What I am trying to find out is how to check my smen to make sure that there is no longer any sperm cells swimming in it. Given that, is it really necessary for me to have this done at the Drs office? Normally I wouldn't think twice about this but I have already paid the man $700.00 and now he wants another $150.00 just to look in a microscope and this seems rather exhorbitant to me. Thank you again for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Scott
PS I am writing from San Lorenzo California
AnswerDear Scott,
I am sorry that I misunderstood. I see. You are only checking for sperm. Go to the store and buy a regular microscope. It can even be one for children. It should come with slides and coverslips. You can see sperm at the 10X setting, although not very clearly. You will need a 20X setting to see them and make sure.
The problem is, it may cost close to $100 for a good microscope (non-medical one). The one I have is more like $500.
I think that $150 is too much. I would go to your local lab and tell them you what you want. Not a semen analysis but just an analysis to check for the presence of sperm. They will probably only charge $30-50 for that since it takes no time. They might even do it as a favor. However, they may also require a Physician's requesition.
Keep in mind, if you do it yourself, you can't be absolutely sure that you are clear, and you are taking the risk that you might get someone pregnant in the future. You will need to check at 6 months and 1 year again to make sure.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D.
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
