• Things That Can Harm Male Fertility

    For nearly 15 percent of American couples, infertility is a real struggle. Many factors have an impact on fertility, and both partners’ health plays a key role. Male infertility is about half the reason that couples fail to conceive, but do you know what factors into male fertility? Knowing the things that can harm male fertility can help you safeguard yours.

    Low sperm production, abnormal sperm function, and blockages that prevent sperm delivery are the primary causes of male infertility. These issues may be the result of an underlying health problem, sometimes one over which you have no control. However, lifestyle factors can also have a major impact.

    A recent study linked manual labor with low sperm counts. In a study of 456 men around the age of 32, researchers discovered that 13 percent of the men with physically demanding jobs had low sperm count, as opposed to only 6 percent of men without strenuous work. Other things that had a negative impact on fertility included:

    • High blood pressure
    • Smoking or using tobacco
    • Using alcohol and marijuana excessively
    • Taking certain illicit drugs including anabolic steroids and cocaine.
    • Being overweight
    • Suffering emotional stress
    • Overheated testicles from frequent use of saunas or hot tubs, prolonged sitting, wearing tight clothing, or working on a laptop for extended periods
    • Exposure to toxins like benzenes, pesticides, herbicides, etc. which can lower sperm count
    • Current or past STIs including chlamydia and gonorrhea
    • Certain prolonged activities like biking or horseback riding, especially on a hard seat or poorly adjusted bicycle

    Other medical causes include hormonal imbalances, sperm duct defects, undescended testicles, tumors, and varicocele. A varicocele is a swelling of the veins that drain the testicles, and this swelling can prevent normal cooling. This is the most common cause of male infertility, but it’s also, fortunately, reversible. Varicoceles are often asymptomatic at first, but can enlarge, becoming noticeable or causing pain.

    Unless you’re trying to conceive and having difficulty, you may not be aware that you have fertility issues. However, in some cases, there are signs and symptoms. If you experience problems with sexual function, pain, swelling or a lump in the testicle area, frequent respiratory infections, or decreased facial or body hair, schedule a visit with your doctor to check on your fertility.

    If you’re struggling with infertility or 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.

     

  • New Research about Infertility is Promising

    One in eight couples has trouble conceiving. Do you know how many of the cases are caused by unexplained male infertility? Nearly a quarter. For years, scientists have known that infertility can be linked to sperm that fail to throw out histones from DNA during development, but the reasons for this failure and how it happens is unclear. Now, however, that lack of clarity may be changing.

    Promising new research out of Penn Medicine is showing the precise location of the retained histones and the key gene that regulates them. Researchers have also created a mouse model with a mutated version of the gene. This allows investigators to track the defects in sperm, starting with the early stages of sperm development and going through fertilization. This research could lead us to a better understanding of infertility in men, and how epigenetic mutations are passed to future generations.

    What does it mean, when sperm fail to evict histones?  Histones are the main proteins in chromatin. Their function is to package DNA and turn genes on and off. Healthy sperm lose about 90-95 percent of these proteins, replacing them with protamines, smaller proteins able to pack DNA into tiny sperm. When a man has unexplained infertility, the problem is often with retained histones. The sperm count can be normal, the sperm have normal motility, and yet because the histones are in the wrong location, the couple has trouble conceiving.

    Until now, research has produced conflicting results about where these histones are located. Because of the confusion of discrepant data, the burden of assisted-reproductive technologies has continued to fall on women. Even if the male has the issue, the female partner goes through hormone injections and procedures to promote a higher fertility rate.

    Imagine, then, if scientists were able to use epigenetic therapies to change the levels of histones and protamines in men. With this new research, scientists are better able to closely study the mechanisms behind a mutated sperm’s trajectory, which opens the door to potential therapeutic treatments. Epigenetic drugs are already being used to treat cancer and other diseases. With a clearer understanding of how a man’s epigenome affects conception and embryonic development, we have the potential to alter sperm, so these new studies may lead to a breakthrough infertility treatment.

    If you’re struggling with infertility or 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.

  • ICSI: Your Step-By-Step Overview

    While vasectomy reversal is the most common procedure to restore fertility for men who have undergone a vasectomy, there are circumstances where it makes sense to consider other surgical alternatives, such as sperm aspiration. With sperm aspiration, sperm is directly obtained from the epididymis through a needle guided by an operating microscope. This is actually the first step in ICSI, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection, which is paired with IVF, or in-vitro fertilization. This video shows you a complete look at the ICSI procedure, which may play a role in your family planning if your partner is also experiencing fertility issues.

    If you want to weigh the pros and cons of vasectomy reversal and ICSI, Dr. Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal can help you make your decision. You can schedule a vasectomy reversal consultation with us in Sarasota by calling (941) 894-6428, or visit our website to learn more.

  • Coping with the Stress of Male Infertility

    Male infertility is more common than you might think. In fact, it’s just about as common as female infertility, although men are often less willing to discuss the topic than women are. Despite their reticence, many men experience strong, negative emotions that can be difficult to cope with. Acknowledging these feelings and developing a plan of action can help.

    Understanding Common Reactions

    Although men may be more reluctant to discuss their experiences with male infertility, this doesn’t mean they won’t act on their feelings. Some men may feel as though their masculinity is threatened, and they may withdraw from sexual intimacy or seek affection outside the marriage as a result. Others may go out of their way to work on improving the relationship . Many couples find that they tend to argue more frequently, even over small matters.

    Coping as a Couple

    It’s important to remember that male infertility is no one’s fault. Supporting each other is the only way to move forward. Coping successfully as a couple may require talking about the issue openly, sharing emotions, and venting frustrations. Just as importantly, couples need some time that is free of “baby talk.” Couples might agree to discuss the issue for a certain length of time on certain days, but then to avoid discussing the issue at other times. This allows both partners the emotional relief of focusing on other tasks at hand.

    Getting on the Same Page

    One of the many reasons why male infertility is so difficult to cope with is that it brings an element of uncertainty into the relationship. Couples need to decide what they plan to do and what their limits are. For instance, a couple might decide to have a vasectomy reversal and to consider IVF later on if the reversal by itself isn’t sufficient.

    If you’re exploring infertility procedures available in Sarasota, we invite you to come in for a consult at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal. Dr. Joshua Green is a widely respected vasectomy reversal surgeon who has made it his life’s work to help couples achieve their dreams of parenthood. Call us today at (941) 894-6428 to schedule your confidential discussion.

  • Examining Causes of Male Infertility

    Male infertility is more common than you might think. There are many possible reasons for three of the main causes of male infertility, which are low sperm count, abnormal sperm shape, and abnormal sperm movement. When you watch this featured video, you’ll learn that one of the most prevalent medical causes of male infertility is the presence of a varicocele. This is an enlarged vein in the scrotum that can inhibit sperm production and compromise sperm quality.

    In other cases, male infertility may be a hormonal issue, such as having too much estrogen and not enough testosterone. A history of prior surgeries or injuries in the area, infections, and past cancer treatments can also contribute to fertility problems.

    Dr. Joshua Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal can help you achieve your dream of becoming a father . Call (941) 894-6428 to request a confidential consult with Dr. Green in Sarasota.

  • Common Risk Factors of Male Infertility

    Male infertility is a common problem, particularly among men who are of an older age. Sometimes, male infertility is caused by a medical issue, such as prior trauma to the testicles, undescended testes, or surgery of the abdominal or pelvic regions. Some chronic illnesses will also increase a man’s risk of infertility, including sickle cell disease and cancer. Radiation therapy directed at the testes can result in infertility.

    Other risk factors of infertility pertain to lifestyle choices. Men may be more likely to have infertility if they smoke, consume alcohol, are overweight, or use certain recreational substances. Exposure to environmental toxins can contribute to this common problem, as can excessively high temperatures in the region of the testicles.

    If you’ve had a vasectomy reversal that has failed, you may still have options available to you. The Center for Vasectomy Reversal provides safe and effective infertility procedures in Sarasota. For more information, call Dr. Joshua Green at (941) 894-6428.

  • What are Some Common Causes of Male Infertility?

    In the United States, approximately one in five couples seek infertility care. Although infertility evaluations and treatments are traditionally focused on women, male infertility accounts for about half of all infertility cases in this country. The good news is that there are infertility clinics in Sarasota that specifically address male fertility problems. Before you schedule a consultation to discuss sperm retrieval procedures, read this short blog to learn more about some of the more common causes of male infertility.

    • Smoking – Tobacco use significantly decreases both sperm count and sperm cell motility. Smoking can increase a male’s chance of infertility by up to 30 percent, and even smoking as few as five cigarettes per day can significantly lower fertility rates.
    • Environmental Hazards – Men who regularly exposed to environmental hazards such as pesticides, lead, radiation/radioactive substances, and heavy metals typically have a much higher rate of experiencing fertility issues.
    • Intense Exercise – Although regular exercise is important for good overall health, prolonged overly-intense exercise can produce high levels of adrenal steroid hormones which can result in infertility. Check with your doctor to find out if your exercise routine is responsible for your fertility issues.
    • Hormonal Problems – A small percentage of male infertility cases is causes by hormonal disorders such as hyperprolactinemia, hypothyroidism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and hypogonadotropic hypopituitarism. A fertility doctor can diagnose these disorders and recommend treatment.

    If you have been trying unsuccessfully to have children, schedule a consultation with Dr. Joshua Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal and Male Infertility . In addition to vasectomy reversal surgeries, Dr. Green performs sperm retrieval and in-vitro fertilization to help couples realize their dream of having a family. Call the Center for Vasectomy Reversal and Male Infertility in Sarasota at (941) 961-4581 to schedule an infertility consultation today.

  • What You Need to Know About Male Infertility

    One of the biggest misconceptions about infertility is that it is always a female problem. By some accounts, between 30-40% of infertility cases are related to male infertility. The good news is that male infertility is typically easy to treat thanks to modern medicine and is no longer a permanent obstacle standing in the way of conceiving a child. Watch this video from the NIH to learn more about male infertility.

    If you have questions about male infertility, Dr. Joshua Green and has answers. Dr. Green is head of staff at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal and Male Infertility in Sarasota, FL. Male infertility can be overcome using a number of different sperm retrieval procedures . Call (941) 961-4581 to schedule your initial consultation so you can discuss the different sperm retrieval and in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures available to you.

  • Get the Facts about Male Infertility

    Even without a vasectomy, there are millions of men who are incapable of having children on their own. A study by the Centers for Disease Control found that between three and five million sexual experienced men younger than age 45 reported seeing a fertility doctor for help with a male-related infertility problem. If you’ve tried unsuccessfully to become a father, Dr. Joshua Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal and Male Infertility in Sarasota can help. Get the facts about male infertility then call Dr. Green to discuss your sperm retrieval options.

    Top Causes of Male Infertility

    There are a number of different reasons for male infertility. Some problems are physical in nature, preventing the sperm from being ejaculated normally in the semen; other problems affect the quality and production of the sperm itself. Some of the top causes of male infertility include:

    • Sexually transmitted diseases
    • Varicoceles (enlarged varicose veins in the scrotum)
    • Retrograde ejaculation
    • Hormonal imbalances
    • Birth defects
    • Tobacco and alcohol use
    • Excessive exercise

    There are many more causes of male infertility, and the only way to tell for sure what’s causing your infertility is to consult with a fertility doctor. If you are able to produce ejaculate, the doctor can perform lab analysis to detect azoospermia (no sperm in the semen), oligospermia (very few sperm in the semen), or problems with sperm motility or morphology.

    Sperm Retrieval Options

    Depending on the cause of your infertility, there are a few different options that can help you become a father. Sperm retrieval is a viable option if you are unable to ejaculate or if there is no sperm present in the semen. A consultation is required to determine which sperm retrieval procedure is most appropriate for your unique situation. Some of the procedures available include testicular sperm extraction (TESE), testicular sperm aspiration (TESA), and microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA).

    If you want to learn more about male infertility and how sperm retrieval can help you start a family, contact Dr. Joshua Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal and Male Infertility. Dr. Green is proud to be one of the top male infertility specialists in Sarasota . Call (941) 961-4581 to schedule a consultation.