Vasectomy reversals are delicate procedures that require the touch of a skillful, experienced surgeon. Despite their complexity for the surgeon, however, the experience for the patient is relatively straightforward. No hospital stay is required. Men do need to follow some pre-operative and post-operative guidelines, and one of those is to avoid alcohol.

When Men Should Avoid Alcohol

Vasectomy reversal surgeons will give their own personalized instructions to their patients. In general, most advise avoiding alcohol for two weeks prior to the procedure. Men must also stay away from alcoholic beverages for about a month after the surgery, until they are fully healed.

Why Patients Should Avoid Alcohol

The restriction on alcohol isn’t unique to vasectomy reversals. Patients undergoing any type of surgery should follow these guidelines for best results. Similar to tobacco use, alcohol consumption inhibits the healing process , and can make recovery take longer. Alcohol also acts on the immune system, which can increase the likelihood of a post-operative infection. Surgical patients who consume alcohol are at a higher risk of other complications and side effects, including the following:

• Excessive bleeding
• Heart problems
• Pneumonia
• Hospital admittance

Men who have trouble stopping their alcohol use may need to postpone the vasectomy reversal. Alcohol use disorder results in moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms, and sudden withdrawal may sometimes be medically serious. Patients are advised to consult their physicians if they think they may have a problem with alcohol abuse.

How Alcohol Affects Male Fertility

Although men should be able to resume their alcohol consumption a month or so after surgery, doing so might not necessarily be a good idea, as the purpose of a vasectomy reversal is to become a parent. Heavy alcohol use can adversely affect the quality of sperm. It may also lead to impotence and the loss of libido.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we’re committed to equipping each of our patients and their partners with the information and resources they need to make wise healthcare decisions. Dr. Green is an accomplished vasectomy reversal surgeon serving Sarasota and out-of-town patients. You can request an appointment or a long-distance consult by calling (941) 894-6428.

You’ve heard of baby showers, but what about sprinkles? Baby showers are reserved for a woman’s first pregnancy, as they are designed to “shower” the family with the baby gear they’ll need. Sprinkles are for subsequent pregnancies. They’re intended to “sprinkle” the mother with a few necessities, but the primary focus is on celebrating the upcoming birth.

Learn more about baby sprinkles by watching this video. It explains the basics, such as how to decorate for the party and which refreshments to serve. Macaroons and cupcakes are always popular. This lifestyle expert also recommends doing DIY skin scrubs that the guests can take home with them.

If you’re thinking about infertility procedures in Sarasota, then it’s time to make an appointment with Dr. Joshua Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal. Call us at (941) 894-6428, and let us help you grow your family .

Sometimes, a vasectomy reversal by itself isn’t enough to fully correct male infertility. If a man has low sperm count, the chances of conceiving a child naturally aren’t favorable. But don’t give up hope if you’ve been told your sperm count is low. You and your partner may have the option of having surgical sperm retrieval, followed by in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Varicocele

The veins in the scrotum may sometimes become enlarged. This is known as a varicocele, and it’s a common cause of low sperm count . Most men don’t realize they have a varicocele, as it doesn’t usually cause noticeable symptoms. Occasionally, men may experience pain in the scrotal area. The pain typically worsens with activity and prolonged standing.

Retrograde Ejaculation

Spinal injuries, diabetes, and a history of prostate, urethral, or bladder surgery can elevate the risk of retrograde ejaculation. This condition occurs when the semen flows into the bladder instead of out through the penis. It’s sometimes possible to correct retrograde ejaculation. When correction isn’t feasible, men can still become fathers via sperm retrieval and IVF.

Infections

It’s possible for certain infections to cause scar tissue to accumulate in the male reproductive area. This scar tissue may prevent the normal travel of sperm. Some infections may also directly lower sperm production. Gonorrhea and HIV are two examples of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that can result in this problem. The inflammation of the testicles, called orchitis, and the inflammation of the epididymis are other types of infections that can cause low sperm count.

Toxin Exposure

A man’s sperm count can be adversely affected by the exposure to environmental toxins. These can include industrial chemicals, such as pesticides, paint, lead, and organic solvents. Men who have previously received radiation therapy or X-rays in the reproductive area can have reduced sperm production. This may improve after a few years, or it may be permanent.

Dr. Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is a widely recognized expert in the field of male infertility. He specializes in vasectomy reversals at his Sarasota clinic, as well as sperm retrieval procedures for IVF. Schedule a consult today by calling (941) 894-6428.

Vasectomy reversals have favorable success rates, but there’s still a waiting period before couples are able to get pregnant. Every couple is a little different, but in general, it may take anywhere from three to 12 months before a man’s sperm count is once again at a robust level. To assess the success of the vasectomy reversal, men will have semen analysis testing.

Depending on the particular clinic, men may have their first analysis at about six to eight weeks after the procedure. After this, additional semen analysis appointments are scheduled every one to two months. Once a lab report shows stabilized sperm count and motility, there is a good chance of pregnancy within six months of actively trying.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, Dr. Joshua Green can answer all of your questions about having a vasectomy reversal in Sarasota, including what you can expect afterward. If you’ve decided your vasectomy wasn’t the right decision for you, give us a call at (941) 894-6428.