Are You a Candidate for a V-E Procedure?

During your consult, your vasectomy reversal surgeon will explain your surgical options. Depending on your unique situation, you may be a candidate for a vasoepididymostomy, also called the V-E procedure. If so, the surgeon will attach the vas deferens directly to the epididymis, which is the small organ at the rear of each testicle that stores the sperm. The V-E technique is far more technically complicated than the standard vasovasostomy. However, you may require the V-E approach if you aren’t a good candidate for a vasovasostomy.  

It’s typical for the vasectomy reversal surgeon to determine which technique is right for you during the surgery itself. The determining factor is whether there is sperm present in the fluid in the vas deferens. It’s not common to require the V-E procedure when a man has the reversal performed within 10 years of having the original vasectomy procedure. 

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, Dr. Joshua Green will answer all of your questions about the surgery before you make your decision. Call (941) 894-6428 to request a consultation for having a vasectomy reversal in Sarasota.

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon About Your Vasectomy Reversal Procedure

The decision to have any sort of surgery should never be made lightly. It’s important to be a proactive patient by asking the vasectomy reversal surgeon all of your questions and learning about the procedure from credible sources. Don’t hesitate to call the clinic if any questions or concerns occur to you after your initial consultation. 

How long does the procedure take? 

A vasectomy reversal is an outpatient procedure, which means you won’t have to stay at the hospital overnight. It typically takes two to three hours to perform it. If the doctor needs to perform a vasoepididymostomy, which is a more complicated surgical technique, then it will take a little longer. The doctor probably won’t know whether this technique is needed until during the surgery itself. Additionally, it will take some time to prepare you for surgery and to monitor you afterward. 

Will I be asleep? 

Yes, this procedure is performed under general anesthesia. If you’ve ever had general anesthesia before and experienced a reaction to it, let the doctor know. You’ll be asked not to consume any food or liquids for eight to 12 hours prior to your appointment. Your vital signs will be continuously monitored during the surgery, and while you’re coming out of the anesthesia afterward. It’s normal to be groggy for a while afterward. You should plan to rest after you return home. 

Will it be painful afterward? 

Most patients report that the pain isn’t as bad as they expected. You would probably describe it as discomfort or an aching sensation, similar to what you experienced after your original vasectomy. The doctor will prescribe pain medications. Follow the dosage instructions on the label carefully, and call the pharmacist if you have any questions. You should also apply an ice pack for 20 minutes off and on to minimize the discomfort and swelling. 

You can get the answers to all of your questions during your consultation with Dr. Joshua Green. Here at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we emphasize the importance of patient education and pre-operative preparedness. You can call our vasectomy reversal clinic in Sarasota at (941) 894-6428. 

Why Are You Supposed to Avoid Eating Before Surgery?

During your consultation for a vasectomy reversal—or any other surgery—you’ll be instructed not to take anything by mouth for eight to 12 hours prior to the procedure. If you need to take medications, you should ask the doctor if you can take them with a small sip of water. Find out why it’s important to go into surgery with an empty stomach when you watch this featured video. 

The anesthesiologist featured here explains that eating before being placed under general anesthesia increases the risk of aspiration. This occurs when the contents of the stomach travel upward and enter the lungs. Aspiration pneumonia is a serious complication, but you can avoid it by following your pre-surgical directions. 

If you need to reach Dr. Green in Sarasota prior to having your vasectomy reversal, you can call (941) 894-6428. The entire staff at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is committed to upholding the highest standards of patient care and safety.

How Does the Age of the Female Partner Affect Post-Reversal Pregnancy Rates?

There are dozens of issues that can potentially affect fertility. For men who have had a vasectomy, that procedure is the overriding factor. But there are also issues that may affect female fertility. It’s a smart idea to explore all the possible factors before making a medical decision, including the potential effects of the age of the female partner. 

What Science Says About Age and Fertility 

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), a woman’s fertility “decreases gradually but significantly” when she reaches her 32nd birthday. The rate of fertility decline accelerates after 37 years. By age 40, it’s quite common for women to have trouble conceiving naturally. ACOG notes that females are born with one to two million oocytes, or eggs. By puberty, women will have between 300,000 and 500,000 eggs. That number declines sharply at age 37, at which point women will only have 25,000 eggs. As ovarian reserve declines, so too does fertility. 

How Age Affects Post-Reversal Pregnancy Rates 

Research indicates that female age has no special effect on pregnancy rates after the male partner has had a vasectomy reversal. In other words, the chances of pregnancy are comparable. If Jane, age 40, and Jose, post-vasectomy reversal, try to have a baby, their chances of getting pregnant would be roughly the same as if Jose had never had a vasectomy, assuming that all other factors remain consistent. 

What This Means for You  

When a couple is considering a vasectomy reversal, it’s wise for the female partner to discuss potential fertility issues with her physician. Even if female infertility may be a problem, there are other options to consider. The vasectomy reversal surgeon could perform a sperm retrieval procedure if the couple wants to consider in vitro fertilization (IVF), for example. 

Dr. Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal strongly encourages couples to be proactive patients. It’s always a good idea for the female partner to explore possible fertility issues with her doctor before making decisions about the vasectomy reversal. When you’re ready to move forward, call Dr. Joshua Green in Sarasota at (941) 894-6428 to request a consult.