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Men's Fitness, March, 2004

I'm 25, I've got three kids, and I'm done. I'm considering a vasectomy, but I've heard I can still knock up my woman after getting one. Is that true? Also, is the process reversible?

LUTHER DANIELS

KNOXVILLE, TN

YEP TO BOTH questions. "For the first few months after getting a vasectomy, it's still possible to impregnate a woman" says Howard Devore, crack licensed psychologist and certified sex therapist. "Sperm may still be active in the tubules, and they can live awhile. Doctors who perform vasectomies give lots of warnings about this" Our cagey sex doc advises continuing normal birth-control measures until your physician gives you the green flag to ride latex-free.

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As to your second question, Devore says it is indeed possible to reverse a vasectomy. "As with many other types of surgery, your doctor can go in and undo the procedure" However, the success of this reattachment may vary from person to person. "Also, there is some concern about testicular function for the time that sperm has not been given a place to go." In other words, your sperm production may be affected even when the vasectomy is reversed.

While unloading your pistol may seem like a lifestyle option you want to enjoy permanently, Devote recommends having a backup strategy. "If you're planning to have a vasectomy, and there's any possibility you might want to have children later in life, consider having your sperm frozen before the surgery--which many doctors require."

Cutting questions - Ask Us Anything

Men's Fitness, March, 2004

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