One issue that affects both female and male infertility is obesity. If you undergo a vasectomy reversal in the hopes of conceiving, maintaining a healthy weight can make the process easier. Here is a closer look at how weight could impact fertility for both partners.

Hormonal Changes

For both men and women, being overweight can lead to hormonal imbalances. These changes in hormonal levels can impact both ovulation and sperm production. If you are overweight after your vasectomy reversal, you could face a lower sperm count and issues with sperm motility and morphology. One study indicated that men experience a 10% increase in their odds of infertility for every 20 pounds they are overweight. For women, being overweight increases testosterone levels and may make ovulation decrease or stop.

Sexual Dysfunction

Men who are overweight are more likely to experience sexual dysfunction, including problems maintaining an erection. In addition to biological issues caused by obesity that interfere with healthy sexual functioning, men who are overweight may experience self-esteem issues that lead to dysfunction. Often, weight loss can reverse these issues for men who experience sexual dysfunction after a vasectomy reversal.

Increased Miscarriage Risk

When a pregnancy is achieved, being overweight is associated with a higher risk of miscarriage. Women who are overweight have miscarriages at higher rates than women who are a normal weight when they become pregnant, even if the pregnancy was achieved using IVF. Men who are overweight are also more likely to have a partner experience a miscarriage, as excess weight may affect sperm health. The odds of a miscarriage increase even more when both partners are overweight at the time of conception.

The Center for Vasectomy Reversal helps men and their partners overcome male infertility vasectomy reversals and sperm retrieval procedures. Maintaining a healthy weight before and after procedure can increase your chances of successful conception. To learn more about infertility procedures in Sarasota, please call (941) 894-6428.

After having a vasectomy reversal, men and their partners may be impatient to start growing their families. Following vasectomy reversals, it can take a while for sperm to be present once again in the ejaculate. However, there are some steps men can take to boost their chances of successfully overcoming male infertility .

Avoid Excessive Heat Exposure

One of these strategies involves avoiding certain heat sources. An excessive increase in testicular temperature can adversely affect the health of a man’s sperm. Although the research is not yet definitive, some medical experts do recommend that men avoid sitting in hot tubs or placing laptops on their laps. Some researchers also suggest that cellphone radiation can be harmful to sperm; they recommend avoiding placing cellphones into trouser pockets.

Quit Smoking

Although more research is needed on the relationship between heat exposure and male infertility, medical studies strongly substantiate the risks of smoking while trying to conceive . You probably already know that women must avoid smoking and drinking alcohol while pregnant to prevent miscarriage and health problems of the baby. However, both men and women should avoid smoking and secondhand smoke exposure while trying to conceive. In men, smoking damages DNA and diminishes sperm production.

Avoid Environmental Toxins

It’s advisable for both men and women to avoid excessive exposure to certain environmental toxins when trying to conceive. Agricultural pesticides and household pesticides can influence male infertility. Men who must work with environmental toxins should carefully follow all safety guidelines to reduce their exposure.

Scrutinize Labels on Lubricants

Many vaginal lubricants contain spermicidal agents. Soap can also kill sperm and lead to male infertility. Water-based, commercially available lubricants may not kill sperm, but they can interfere with sperm motility. Men can ask a fertility specialist for help choosing an appropriate product. Many experts recommend canola oil or peanut oil.

The Center for Vasectomy Reversal and Male Infertility was founded with the mission of combining sophisticated surgical techniques with unsurpassed patient care. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Green by calling (941) 961-4581 and see for yourself why he is so highly recommended by his patients. Men and their partners are also invited to browse our website for more information about having a vasectomy reversal in Sarasota.