Vasectomies can cause chromosomal abnormalities in sperm, Thai researchers have shown. They found men who had vasectomy reversals had 10 times the rate of abnormalities of normal men’s sperm.
But the team told a European fertility conference it was the original operation, rather than the reversal, that caused the faults.
Improved with time
They also saw some suggestion that the problem resolved over time – so the longer it was since a man had had his vasectomy reversed, the more likely he was to produce normal sperm.
If couples conceive naturally the presence of some faulty sperm should not be a problem as the sophisticated female reproductive system selects the best.
But Professor Sukchareon said IVF doctors needed to be aware of the potential for higher miscarriage rates, and monitor carefully children born as a result, particularly if ICSI or other forms of assisted reproduction which specific sperm was involved. (source)
I have yet to have a heart-to-heart talk with any father who have gone through a vasectomy. So, I can’t really comment on how popular it is. However, my male ex-colleague has done it because according to him, his two children are enough and he can be ‘free’. Meanwhile, my conservative husband will give me a weird look if I dare suggest this to him. I don’t know, I think a lot of Chinese males are very protective of their abilities to father offsprings?
Originally posted 2006-06-22 15:20:01.
