What Are Your Chances of Giving Birth to Twins?

Having a baby is very exciting, so how would you feel about a two-for-one pregnancy? If you’re undergoing fertility treatment, you probably already know that twins are a possibility. However, there are many other factors that come into play when it comes to multiples. Do you know your chances of giving birth to twins?  

• Your age plays a role. Women who are over 30 are more likely to have twins because they have higher levels of follicle–stimulating hormone. This surge in FSH occurs because older women have lower fertility in general, but sometimes the follicles can overreact and release two or more eggs.  
• Twins are sometimes hereditary. If your family history includes identical twins, that doesn’t make you more likely to conceive them. However, a history of fraternal twins on the woman’s side indicates a genetic predisposition to ovulate more than one egg per cycle, and if it’s in the man’s family it indicates high sperm production, so if your family has fraternal twins, you might have them too.  
• Your height and weight are a factor. Overweight women are more likely to have twins, even though extra weight can keep some women from conceiving because more weight means more estrogen, which can overstimulate the ovaries. Taller women are prone to twins, though no one knows quite why.  
• If you have a large family, it might get larger still. Women who have carried many pregnancies are more likely to conceive twins.  
• Race makes a difference. African Americans are more likely than Caucasian women to conceive twins, and Asian women are the least likely.  
• Surprisingly, breastfeeding can contribute to a higher risk of twins. This may seem unbelievable, because breastfeeding typically suppresses fertility, preventing pregnancy, especially if the baby is under six months and exclusively breastfed. However, if you do get pregnant while breastfeeding, you’re more than ten times as likely to have twins.  

All of these factors work together, so if you have more than one, your chances of twins are higher, especially if you are also undergoing fertility treatments. In general, the rate of twins is about 3.35%, but with fertility treatment, that number jumps significantly, depending on the type of treatment. With Clomid and Femera, for instance, the rate is between 5 and 12%, while with IVF it’s 12.1% for women under 35, and decreases as women age.  

If male infertility is impairing your ability to conceive, the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is here to help. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for vasectomy reversals and other fertility issues. We accept major credit cards as well as cash and checks and offer a payment plan option for those who are unable to pay the entire fee at the time of surgery. Whether you’re ready to schedule a procedure or just want to learn more, contact us through our website, or call 941-894-6428 to arrange a free consultation.  

Is It Ever Too Late to Have a Vasectomy Reversal?

If you underwent a vasectomy in the past, you probably intended for it to be permanent. If you’re in a different situation now and have changed your mind about having children, you may be concerned that it’s not possible. Is a vasectomy reversal really effective? And even if it is, will it work for you if your vasectomy was done several years ago? 

In most cases, vasectomies are reversible. A skilled surgeon can perform the necessary micro-surgery and reconnect the vas deferens, restoring sperm to the ejaculate. A vasectomy performed more than fifteen years ago may be more challenging, because there may be further blockage in addition to the vasectomy. If this is the case, the surgeon will need to perform a more involved procedure, known as vasoepididymostomy, to restore sperm flow and fertility. This surgery involves connecting the vas deferens to the epididymis, rather than just reconnecting the vas deferens itself.  Modern technology has led to great advances in these kinds of surgery, though, and even for complicated vasectomies, the success rate is high.  

In fact, recent research indicates that older vasectomies can be reversed almost as easily as younger ones. In a study of 1229 men having vasectomy reversals, grouped into more recent (1-15 years) and less recent (16-38 years) vasectomies, the rates of successful reversal were statistically very close. The success rates, measured by the rate of achieving moving ejaculated sperm counts after the surgery, were 88% in younger vasectomies and 65% in older. Further, the sperm counts obtained in these two groups of men following their reversal surgeries were the same, averaging about 55 million sperm.  

What does this all mean? First, after undergoing a vasectomy, men continue to make just as much sperm as they did before, and that continues no matter how long they have the vasectomy. Additionally, this research indicates that older vasectomies are more reversible than ever thought possible previously, which means it’s never too late to have a vasectomy reversal and make fatherhood a reality.  

If you’re considering a vasectomy reversal, the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is here to help. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our caring and skilled team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other concerns about their fertility. We accept major credit cards as well as cash and checks, and we also offer a payment plan option for those who are unable to pay the entire fee at the time of surgery. Whether you’re ready to schedule a procedure or just have questions and want to learn more, you can contact us through our website, or call 941-894-6428 to arrange a free consultation.  

How to Stay Optimistic About Parenting in This Day and Age

Some days, just paying attention to the news can make a person reluctant to have kids. The world can seem like a terrible place, full of danger, but in fact, this is a great time to raise kids! Technology is always improving, kids have tons of opportunities, and dads are more active in their parenting roles than ever before. Do you need more reasons to be optimistic about parenting in the modern age? We’ve got some, so read on.  

• Kids are becoming ever more aware of the world around them. From an early age, today’s kids are aware of nature and their impact on the Earth. They also have more awareness of others and a greater sensitivity to those who are different and may be dealing with challenges. As technology advances, children will learn more than prior generations could imagine, and though the internet certainly has its drawbacks, it certainly puts all kinds of knowledge within easy reach.  
• Empathy is on the rise. There’s empathetic discourse in elementary school now, and kids are growing up in an environment of acceptance. Non-traditional families are more accepted, society approaches disability issues with more concern, and there’s a higher awareness of mental health issues than in the past.  
• Gender parity is growing closer. The world in which kids are growing up features much more concern about female empowerment and diverse representation, and much more understanding about the problems of outdated concepts of masculinity. The bumbling dad stereotype is on the way out, and girls and boys alike are being raised to be smart, strong, and emotionally aware.  
• People are more connected than ever. Technology is connecting us globally, breaking down language barriers and the modern focus on emotionally honest parenting is creating stronger connections within families. What’s more, it’s easy to find support, even when you live far from family, because there are tons of groups of like-minded parents.  
• Having kids is so much fun! It’s easy to share your favorite movies with your kids, and you can bond over today’s many, many superheroes. The toys are really cool, and there’s such a wealth of kids’ music and movies that you’re sure to find some you actually enjoy.  

If you’re ready to become a parent, and considering a vasectomy reversal, the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is here to help. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our caring and skilled team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other concerns about their fertility. We accept major credit cards as well as cash and checks, and we also offer a payment plan option for those who are unable to pay the entire fee at the time of surgery. Whether you’re ready to schedule a procedure or just have questions and want to learn more, you can contact us through our website, or call 941-894-6428 to arrange a free consultation.  

How Infertility Can Negatively Impact Your Relationship in More Ways Than One

Even the best marriage can run into trouble when facing the challenges of infertility. Feelings of resentment and disappointment can creep in, and communication can become a struggle. Infertility doesn’t necessarily mean you can never have children, but it does mean that you and your partner will have to try harder than some other people, which can be a challenge. The best way to face it, as with any obstacle in your married life, is together. Be aware of common issues, and be proactive in keeping your marriage strong.  

• Don’t let fertility become an obsession. The tedium of charting, doctor’s appointments, giving samples, having injections, and more can make it feel like infertility is your whole life, and waiting for the results can be excruciating. Don’t let it all overwhelm you, but find ways to connect with your partner that doesn’t involve family planning. Have a weekly date night, making a rule that you can’t talk about babies.  
• Recognize that life is all about making a new plan. You have to live the life you have, even if it’s not the one you expected. Learning all about infertility, seeking new ways to communicate with your partner, and making a plan to move forward can help alleviate some of your stress.  
• Keep your sex life fun. When your sex life is all about fertility apps, calendars, and basal thermometers, it becomes less than sexy. Prioritize date night, making a point to connect in ways that have nothing to do with conception.  

• Try not to take your frustrations out on each other. When you’re living with the pain of not being able to conceive, it’s easy to become angry, depressed, or resentful. It’s important to learn how to communicate honestly and calmly, learning to compromise without resorting to anger. Remember that you are in it together, avoid placing blame, and take comfort in the love and compassion you have for each other.  
• Don’t allow infertility to isolate you. Infertility can be emotionally isolating, so reach out to others sharing your experience by finding a good support group, either online or locally.  
• Be realistic and cooperative when it comes to money. Fertility treatments are expensive, so it’s important to keep emotions out of your budget and come up with a realistic plan together.  

If you’re considering a vasectomy reversal, the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is here to help. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other concerns about their fertility. We accept major credit cards as well as cash and checks, and offer a payment plan for those who are unable to pay the entire fee at the time of surgery. Whether you’re ready to schedule a procedure or just want to learn more, you can contact us through our website, or call 941-894-6428 to arrange a free consultation.