A 34-year-old man underwent vasectomy 14 weeks ago. At follow-up he reports regular ejaculation since surgery. What finding on semen analysis confirms successful sterilisation?

• A Severe oligozoospermia with count below 100,000/mL
• B Normal count with 50% motility
• C Complete azoospermia on centrifuged sample ✓
• D Presence of only non-motile spermatozoa

Explanation

Vasectomy success is confirmed by azoospermia on a centrifuged semen sample, conventionally checked around 12 weeks or after about 20 ejaculations to allow clearance of distal stored sperm. Rare non-motile sperm may persist transiently, but motile sperm at any time indicates failure requiring continued contraception. Severe oligozoospermia is not an accepted endpoint, and couples must use backup contraception until the confirmatory test is reported.

Reference: Williams Gynecology, 4th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.