A local man is left bewildered after his wife became pregnant with their fourth child despite him having undergone a vasectomy last year. The incident has sparked public discussion on the reliability of contraceptive methods.
According to Yangcheng Evening News, the man, surnamed Ma, opted for a vasectomy on January 23 last year after his wife had already delivered three children via cesarean section. Following the procedure, he followed medical advice to abstain from sexual activity for a month and later underwent a sperm count test, which confirmed zero sperm. Doctors reportedly informed him via WeChat that no further contraception was needed.
However, in December, Ma’s wife became pregnant again, leaving him confused. Subsequent medical examinations revealed that his sperm count had surprisingly returned to normal.
“I underwent the vasectomy to spare my wife from further physical strain,” Ma told Xiao Li Bang Mang, adding that while the couple intends to keep the fourth child, he hopes doctors can explain the unexpected outcome. “I was willing to undergo the procedure, endure the pain, and pay for it — all to protect my wife.”
Zhengzhou Third People’s Hospital confirmed that the vasectomy site had experienced a “recanalisation,” leading to contraceptive failure. The hospital stated it would take responsibility and is open to negotiating a resolution with the family. They also noted that no contraceptive method guarantees 100% effectiveness and recommended that legal channels be used to resolve the matter.
The unexpected pregnancy has also raised financial concerns for the family, already managing three children. Ma and his wife are preparing documentation to potentially file a lawsuit while deciding how to proceed with the fourth child, whom the wife wishes to keep.
The case has reignited discussions about contraception effectiveness. Experts distinguish between short-term and long-term methods. Vasectomy and intrauterine devices are considered long-term, with high success rates but a very small chance of failure. Short-term options like condoms, oral contraceptives, and emergency pills are less reliable, with usage errors potentially reducing effectiveness.
Doctors emphasize that proper selection of contraceptive methods is crucial. When used correctly, condoms offer stable protection and prevent sexually transmitted infections, oral contraceptives can approach nearly 100% effectiveness, and emergency contraception should only be used sparingly. Vasectomy, involving the cutting or blockage of the vas deferens to prevent sperm from entering semen, remains a highly effective male sterilization method with a failure rate below 1% and a success rate of up to 99.7%. Patients should note that post-procedure, it takes time for sperm to fully clear from the system.
The story has gone viral online, with netizens praising Ma’s dedication and expressing surprise at the unusual turn of events. Comments highlighted his commitment to sparing his wife from additional medical procedures and acknowledged that vasectomy procedures, while highly effective, are not completely infallible.
