A vasectomy is a form of contraception in which doctors snip the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles. Although early failure of the procedure is rare, it can occur when motile sperm are still observed in a Semen Analysis after 12 weeks and at least 20 ejaculations.

Fortunately, the failure rate is very low – only about 1 in 200 cases. Consequently, patients usually achieve reliable contraception after the procedure. In this case, the patient attended two follow-up appointments, at 4 and 5 months after his vasectomy, for testing. During these visits, laboratory staff observed Rare Non-Motile Sperm (RNMS) in two analyses. As a result, the surgeon could recommend ‘Special Clearance’ because these immotile sperm cannot swim to the egg; therefore, pregnancy remains unlikely.

However, to conclusively confirm the absence of motile sperm, the patient must provide a fresh sample. If motile sperm appear, we supply video footage to the surgeon as evidence of procedure failure. Additionally, follow-up ensures that any complications or unexpected results are addressed promptly. Ultimately, this process maximises patient safety and clarity regarding the effectiveness of the vasectomy.