In about one-third of couples experiencing problems conceiving, male infertility is to blame. There are many health problems that can contribute to infertility in men. You can hear about some of them when you watch this video, which features a reproductive health specialist.

He explains that a varicocele is among the most common causes of male infertility. This is an enlarged vein in the scrotum that negatively affects sperm. It is potentially treatable. Other possible causes of male infertility include hormonal imbalance, infections, nerve damage, and anatomical abnormalities, such as undescended testes or the absence of a vas deferens.

If you’ve changed your mind about having children , you can visit Dr. Joshua Green to discuss having a vasectomy reversal in his clinic in Sarasota. Call (941) 894-6428 to learn more.

Strong, lasting relationships are built on open communication, honesty, and mutual respect. It isn’t possible for one partner to force the other to want to have a child, and trying to do so may only jeopardize the relationship. Even if your partner does want a vasectomy reversal , thinking about it and doing it are two different things. Have a heart-to-heart with your significant other, and try to keep an open mind during the conversation.

Talking About Parenthood

The decision to become new parents or to add to your family is not one to be made lightly. You might feel the urge to hold a baby in your arms, but are you prepared to handle everything else? It’s perfectly all right to experience mixed feelings on this matter—your partner probably does, too. The two of you should openly share your thoughts, concerns, and desires regarding parenthood. Perhaps you two decide that, while you aren’t quite ready to be parents yet, you might decide to have a child in a few years. If this is the case, then having a vasectomy reversal now would be a wise decision, as a prompt procedure may improve the likelihood of success. Additionally, it can take a while for fertility to be restored after the reversal.

Considering the Vasectomy Reversal

Perhaps you both do decide that you want a child, but aren’t quite sure about the surgery yet. Both partners can sit down with a surgeon to discuss the specifics of the procedure, such as how to prepare, what to expect, what the recovery would be like, and what the chances of success are.

Taking Time for Clarity of Mind

Regarding reversals and parenthood, the only wrong decision is the one you regret. After talking about it with your partner and meeting with the surgeon, take a few weeks to let your thoughts percolate. Then, you and your partner can make a final decision.

When it’s time to talk to a vasectomy reversal surgeon with your partner, call Dr. Green. The Center for Vasectomy Reversal provides specialized medical services, including the vaso-vasostomy and vaso-epididymostomy procedures. Call Dr. Green’s clinic in Sarasota at (941) 894-6428.

Smoking is never safe for anyone. During pregnancy, it’s particularly harmful because it compromises the health of the unborn baby. And regardless of whether the male or female partner smokes, the toxic substances suppress fertility. Smoking can cause male infertility because it damages the sperm. Researchers have found that men who smoke have lower sperm counts and abnormal sperm morphology. Morphology refers to the shape of the sperm. Smoking also affects sperm motility, which is the ability of the sperm to travel to an egg.

That’s not all smoking does to male fertility. It damages the DNA of sperm, which interferes with the fertilization of an egg, the implantation of an embryo, and the embryo’s development. Smoking increases the risk of miscarriage and reduces the chances of a successful IVF cycle. In addition to causing male infertility, secondhand smoke compromises the health and suppresses the fertility of the female partner.

When you’re ready to conquer infertility, Dr. Joshua Green in Sarasota can help. Call the Center for Vasectomy Reversal at (941) 894-6428.

Men who undergo a vasectomy reversal often report that the recovery isn’t as arduous as they’d expected. It’s normal to experience some discomfort for the first one to two days, but there are effective and simple ways to manage it. As long as you follow the post-operative instructions from your vasectomy reversal surgeon , you should heal well.

Applying an Ice Pack

Cold constricts the blood vessels, which suppresses inflammation and swelling. As an ice pack numbs the area, it eliminates pain. For both of these reasons, your surgeon will instruct you to apply an ice pack wrapped to the scrotal area for 20 minutes at a time during the first 24 to 48 hours. Keep a thin towel between the ice pack and your skin.

Caring for the Surgical Site

Keeping the surgical site clean and dry will help prevent the discomfort that an infection would cause. Wash the skin gently. Men can usually shower the day after having a vasectomy reversal, but should refrain from taking a bath or swimming for about three to five days.

Restricting Your Activity

It isn’t necessary to stay on bed rest after a vasectomy reversal, but do take it easy for a while. Light activities can be resumed within a day or two, but avoid exercising and other strenuous activities for at least a week. Avoid sexual activity for at least three weeks.

Taking Prescribed Medications

Potent pain medication usually isn’t necessary after this minimally invasive surgery. Your surgeon may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, but you can ask about prescription pain relievers if OTC drugs are insufficient to control the discomfort.

Supporting the Surgical Site

Scrotal support is essential after a vasectomy reversal. Wear a jock strap for a full month after the surgery, day and night.

Patients of Dr. Joshua Green in Sarasota receive extensive pre-operative education to help them prepare for a successful and comfortable recovery. Learn more about becoming a patient at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal by browsing our website, or get in touch with us by calling (941) 894-6428.