How many tests after vasectomy? Guideline update leads to change in practice . Originally published in 2012, and then updated in 2015, the AUA clinical guideline could significantly reduce the number of men undergoing multiple postvasectomy semen analyses (PVSAs) to confirm it’s safe to stop using other methods of birth control, according to new research by Tony Chen, MD, of University of Washington, Seattle, and colleagues. Dr. Chen comments: “Our study of nearly 90,000 patients strongly suggests that men underwent fewer repeat PVSAs after the guideline update, potentially avoiding many unnecessary tests and reducing costs.” One-third reduction in repeat testing after vasectomy Vasectomy is a safe and highly effective method of permanent contraception in men, performed about 500,000 times per year in the United States. Follow-up PVSA tests, done two to four months after the procedure, are recommended to confirm that vasectomy was successful. Previous standard of practice called for two consecutive PVSAs showing no measurable sperm count (azoospermia).