Tips to Help Make Air Travel Smoother with a Newborn

Flying with a Baby

For even the most seasoned traveler, flying with a baby can be intimidating. Especially if it is your first time, or you are making an unexpected trip, the very idea of navigating airports, security, and a flight with a newborn can be extremely stressful. While you may not be able to control every aspect of your trip, you can be proactive and make the experience a little smoother and more enjoyable. By staying calm and planning in advance, you can improve your odds of a positive experience.

Some Things You Should Know About Babies and Flying

While most airlines will allow newborns to travel when they are only a few days old, it is recommended that you wait for at least four to six weeks to take your baby on a plane. In fact, most pediatricians recommend waiting until the baby is two or three months old, if at all possible. The reason behind this is that babies’ immune systems are not fully developed, and exposing these vulnerable little ones to the germs involved in air travel can be dangerous. If you are in doubt, talk to your pediatrician and make sure that your baby is cleared to fly. You may need a birth certificate and a doctor’s note to take a baby on a domestic flight, and if you are flying internationally, your baby will need a passport. If only one parent is taking the baby on that international flight, you will also want to bring a notarized letter from the other parent, granting permission for the travel. And while babies under two years old can fly on your lap, without a separate ticket, it is safer to buy a ticket for your newborn and bring the car seat.

Steps to Take in Advance of Your Flight

Aside from booking your tickets and gathering the appropriate documentation, there are some arrangements you should make before your flight.

• Communicate with the airline. You can book online, but the best way to make sure that you understand all of the airline’s policies ahead of time. Some airlines offer bassinets for long flights, so it is worthwhile to ask about that. Additionally, while lap babies fly free on some airlines, others charge 10 percent of the adult fee. Airlines also have different rules about the baggage allowance for babies. Clarifying the policies will keep you from being surprised at the airport.
• Make sure you have the right car seat. This is another area in which knowing the airline’s policies is helpful. Most airlines have specific restrictions on which car seats are approved for travel. Your car seat should also have the date of manufacture and indicate whether it is FAA approved. Be aware that car seats must be installed in a window seat or the middle seat, so that they do not block anyone’s exit from a seat. Car seats cannot be installed in an emergency row.
• Plan for your flight carefully. Choose a time to fly when your baby is most likely to sleep, and try to time it so that you can feed the baby during takeoff. This will reduce the pressure in the ears and make your baby more comfortable. Book a window seat, if possible, and plan to board early, so that you will have time to install your car seat.
• Plan for your stroller. It is not advisable to check your car seats and strollers if you can help it, so try to get a travel-friendly stroller that can fit in the overhead bin. Travel strollers can also make getting through security easier, because having baby in the stroller frees your hands for other things. If you plan to bring a travel system with an infant carrier, you will likely need to gate check it.

Essential Gear for Traveling with an Infant

One of the best ways to set yourself up for success is to make sure you have everything you need with you on your flight. Keep all of your essentials in your carryon in the overhead compartment, or in a smaller bag under the seat in front of you. You will need plenty of diapers and wipes, and an extra-large, wipeable changing mat for diaper changes along the way. Bring at least two extra, comfortable outfits for your baby, and make sure they are easy to take on and off. Remember to bring wet bags, too, for storing dirty clothes and diapers until you disembark. Bring burp cloths to keep your clothes clean, and hand sanitizer to keep your hands clean. Bring whatever your baby will need to eat, whether it is formula and whatever you need to prepare it, or breast milk and a pump. If you plan to breastfeed on the plane, you might want to bring a cover. Bring a few toys to entertain your little one, and a blanket or two because airplane temperatures can be unpredictable.

Managing Your Baby on the Flight

The most important thing to do on the flight is focus on your baby. Before you ever get on board, do a diaper change and have some play time, to help make baby sleepy. Be careful, though, not to let your little one get over tired before you try to get her to sleep. If you need to walk up and down the aisle to keep your baby from getting fussy, do it. Don’t pay any attention to people who make rude comments but accept help if it’s offered. Above all, remember that babies change quickly, and even if the first flight doesn’t go smoothly, there’s no reason not to try again!

Let Center for Vasectomy Reversal Help You Realize Your Dreams of a Family

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people start their healthy, happy families, and we pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. 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 fertility concerns. To learn more about the work we do or our discounts for active duty military and veterans, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

Simple Ways to Get a Little Exercise

We get it. Between work, parenting, and all life’s other responsibilities, squeezing in a bit of exercise can be a real challenge. But of all the ways you take care of yourself, studies show that exercise is likely the most important one. So, how do we make sure to fit at least a little fitness into our routines? Here are some facts about fitness.

Why Is Exercise So Important?
We all know that exercise is vital for the body. We want to stay strong and active. We may even be peripherally aware that exercise is good for the heart and the cardiovascular system. But did you know that exercise is crucial for healthy brain function? If exercise isn’t a part of your daily routine, this is your notification to try to work some exercise into your daily routine. Here are some ways to do just that.

At Home

• Morning Routine
  Work in a few stretches when you wake up. Run up and down your stairs in the morning to get the blood pumping. Do a quick YouTube yoga sesh before you leave for the office. These changes will change your life.
• Exercise While You Clean
  Putting on a fun playlist can be a great way to get moving while you clean. Use that mop as a mic and do your best boy band dance moves while you put away the laundry.
• Yard Work
  Don’t let this become drudgery. When it’s time to mow or weed, put your back into it. It’s a fabulous way to get cardio and a little weight training.

At Work

• Treadmill Desk
  It seems cliché, but you’d be amazed at how much more productive one can be while exercising both their mind and body.
• Take the Stairs
  Give your elevator button finger a rest and start working those hamstrings and glutes. Taking the stairs at work is an inspired choice for getting some exercise.
• Walk During Lunch
  You don’t have to skip lunch, but walking before or after the meal will be a great way to burn some calories and help you feel like you’ve really earned that turkey sandwich. If you don’t have time to fit in a complete exercise cycle, simply walk to lunch. That will at least complete a ring or two on the fitness watch.

On the Commute

• Walk or Bike to Work
  If you live close enough to work, try walking or biking there.
• Walk or Bike from the Train Station
  If you don’t live close enough to walk or bike all the way to work, try just making it to the commuter train. That will at least get your blood pumping first thing.
• Park Farther Away
  If you must drive to work, try parking in the very last spot. Get there early and walk in. Even 5-10 minutes of movement is better than nothing.

During Recreation Hours
We all love binge-watching a show on the weekends or reading a good book. But there are many ways to relax while getting fit. Here are some fun examples of how to get in shape while enjoying recreation time.

• Go On a Hike
  Usually, a short drive outside the city limits will provide you with a nice place to walk or hike.
• Rollerblading
  Skating and rollerblading are wonderful forms of exercise that give you cardio and strength training.
• Play with Your Kids
  Children have much more energy than adults do. Running around, playing hide and seek, or just chasing and throwing a ball can all be great ways to get your heart pumping and make memories with your kiddos, too!
• Visit a Trampoline Park
  Whether you bring the kids or not, these parks are tons of fun and a great way to get some exercise.
• Go Sightseeing
  Be a tourist in your own town. Pick a landmark or tourist attraction in your city and visit it. Whether it’s a museum, a natural landmark, or a scenic garden, you will enjoy this kind of exercise.

Conclusion
Long story short, exercise doesn’t need to feel like a chore. Grab it while you can and make it something you enjoy. This will promote heart health, brain health, and an overall elevation of mood.

Center for Vasectomy Reversal
Your choice for vasectomy reversal in the Gulf Coast area is the Center for Vasectomy Reversal. When it comes to vasectomy reversal, procedures, and the path to parenthood, we can answer your questions and help you find your way. We will help you navigate the challenges on the way to becoming a parent. When you’re ready to check us out, visit our website or call us at (941) 313-7749.

Navigating the Decision: Factors to Consider Before Opting for Vasectomy Reversal

Man doing research on vasectomy reversals.

Understanding Vasectomy Reversal

A vasectomy is a common procedure, with about 500,000 vasectomies performed in the United States each year. Vasectomies are a minimally invasive and highly effective form of permanent birth control, usually done as an outpatient procedure. It is possible to have a vasectomy reversed, and about six percent of men who have vasectomies later decide to reverse them. In contrast to a vasectomy, however, a vasectomy reversal is very complicated. The procedure involves the surgical reconnection of the tubs that carry sperm from the testicles into the semen. Pregnancy rates vary after vasectomy reversal, ranging from about 30 percent to over 90 percent, depending on various factors.

Factors to Consider

If you are among the number of men desiring to reverse a vasectomy, there are some things you should think about before moving forward. A vasectomy reversal is difficult and costly, and insurance often won’t cover the procedure, so careful consideration is necessary. Asking yourself a few questions will help you determine if vasectomy reversal is right for you.

• What are your reasons? Why do you want to reverse your vasectomy? Maybe you have remarried, have suffered the loss of a child, or have just had a change of heart. Consider whether your desire to conceive a child is strong enough to warrant undergoing a complex surgery, or if other options may be open to you, like adoption.
• How long ago was your vasectomy? The larger the span of time between the vasectomy and its reversal, the lower your changes of conceiving naturally. The good news is that, within 10 years of a vasectomy, a vasectomy reversal performed by an experienced surgeon has a 90 percent chance or higher of resulting in pregnancy.
• Are there additional circumstances that would impair your ability to conceive a child? You should be examined by a reproductive specialist, to determine whether you can still produce healthy sperm and if there are any medical complications, like scar tissue or a blockage, which could impede your fertility. Your partner must undergo an examination, too, to determine her level of fertility. Women over age 40, and those who have never had a child, may have difficulty conceiving.

What’s to Decide?

Once you’ve determined whether you are a good candidate for vasectomy reversal, decide whether this is really the route you want to take. There may be other fertility options available to you, like sperm retrieval and IVF. Talk to your doctor about the different options to help you achieve your reproductive goals.

The most important decision you will make on your fertility journey is the choice of surgeon. A vasectomy reversal is a complex microsurgery, and requires an experienced and highly-skilled surgeon to successfully complete it. Sometimes, a vasectomy reversal requires a more complex repair, called a vasoepididymostomy, which requires an extremely skilful surgeon.

Center for Vasectomy Reversal Cares About Men’s Health

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, men’s health is our priority. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their health and fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. 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 fertility concerns. Dr. Green has had extensive training in urology, microsurgery, and vasectomy reversal, and he founded the Center for Vasectomy Reversal to provide the highest level of patient care while delivering optimal surgical results. To learn more about how our experienced team can help you reach your reproductive goals, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

Common Myths About Getting Pregnant

Trying to get pregnant can be an exciting and nerve-wracking time. You may have many questions about your fertility and what you can do to increase your chances of conceiving. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there about fertility. To help you separate fact from fiction, here are answers to some common myths about getting pregnant:

Myth 1: You’re Most Fertile in Your 20s

Fact: Your 20s are a great time to start trying for a baby, but your fertility actually starts to decline in your early 30s. By age 35, your chances of getting pregnant each month are only about 20 percent. So, if you’re in your mid-30s or older and hoping to conceive, don’t wait too long to start trying.

Myth 2: You Can’t Get Pregnant if You’re Overweight

Fact: It’s true that being overweight can make it more difficult to get pregnant, but it’s not impossible. In fact, many overweight women are able to conceive with no problem. The key is to maintain a healthy weight by eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise. If you’re having trouble conceiving, talk to your doctor about ways to lose weight safely.

Myth 3: Stress Can Affect Your Fertility

Fact: There’s no evidence that stress can directly impact your fertility. However, stress can indirectly affect fertility by causing you to adopt unhealthy behaviors, like smoking or drinking alcohol. If you’re feeling stressed about getting pregnant, try to find healthy ways to cope, such as exercise or relaxation techniques.

Myth 4: You Can’t Get Pregnant if You Have PCOS

Fact: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that can make it difficult to get pregnant. However, it’s not impossible. With treatment, many women with PCOS are able to conceive. If you have PCOS and are having trouble getting pregnant, talk to your doctor about fertility treatments that may help.

Myth 5: You Can’t Get Pregnant if You Have Endometriosis

Fact: Endometriosis is a condition that can cause pain and Infertility. However, it’s important to note that not all women with endometriosis are infertile. In fact, many women with mild endometriosis are able to get pregnant with no problem. If you have endometriosis and are having trouble conceiving, talk to your doctor about fertility treatments that may help.

Myth 6: You Can’t Get Pregnant if You Have Fibroids

Fact: Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that can develop in the uterus. They are very common, and most women who have them will never experience any symptoms. However, in some cases, fibroids can cause Infertility. If you have fibroids and are having trouble conceiving, talk to your doctor about fertility treatments that may help.

Myth 7: You Can’t Get Pregnant if You Have a History of Miscarriage

Fact: A history of miscarriage can be heartbreaking, but it doesn’t mean you’ll never be able to have a baby. In fact, most women who have had a miscarriage go on to have a healthy pregnancy. If you’ve had a miscarriage and are hoping to conceive again, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of miscarrying.

Myth 8: Infertility is Reversible in Every Case

Fact: While there are some cases of infertility that can be reversed, such as blocked fallopian tubes, many other causes of infertility are not reversible. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll never be able to have a baby. There are many fertility treatments available that can help you conceive, even if you have a condition that is not reversible.

Myth 9: Overall Health Doesn’t Connect with Your Fertility

Fact: Your overall health does play a role in your fertility. Conditions like obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure can all impact your ability to get pregnant. That’s why it’s so important to maintain a healthy lifestyle if you’re hoping to conceive. Eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress can all help improve your fertility.

Myth 10: IVF is Too Expensive to Consider

Fact: In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most expensive fertility treatments available. However, it’s also one of the most successful. If you’re struggling to conceive, IVF may be an option worth considering. There are many financing options available that can make IVF more affordable. Talk to your doctor about whether IVF is right for you.

If you are considering fertility help, you may want to consider The Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Florida. Our center is known for providing high-quality care and services to patients who are seeking help with their fertility. Our staff at The Center for Vasectomy Reversal is highly trained and experienced in helping patients achieve successful pregnancies. In addition, we offer a variety of services that can help you become pregnant. Contact us today to learn more!

Signs of Pregnancy

Are you wondering if you might be pregnant? Whether you’ve been trying to get pregnant or would rather not, it can be a tense time while you wait for the answer. Here are some signs you might notice in the early stages of pregnancy.

• Missing your period is an early sign of pregnancy. If you’re more than a week late, you may be pregnant. This may not be a reliable sign, however, especially if your cycles are typically irregular. Missed periods can also happen because of weight fluctuations, exhaustion, a new exercise regimen, stress, a change in birth control, or hormonal imbalance. Delayed menstruation sometimes occurs when you’re breastfeeding, or because of an illness. If the cause is a mystery, talk to your doctor.
• Changes in your breasts can indicate pregnancy. Soon after conception, many women experience swelling, soreness, or tingling in the breasts due to hormonal changes. Your breasts may feel heavier or tender to the touch. It’s important to remember, though, that these things can also be a sign of impending menstruation, new birth control, or another hormonal shift.
• Morning sickness can cause nausea with or without vomiting. Don’t be deceived by the name- it can happen at all times of the day and night. This varies from woman to woman, and some never experience it. Nausea during pregnancy is probably due to hormones, but nausea can also occur if you’re not pregnant, because of stress, anxiety, changes in birth control, or simply a stomach bug.
• If you’re making frequent trips to the bathroom, you may be pregnant. Your blood volume increases when you’re pregnant, leading to excess fluid in your body, which results in more frequent urination. If you’re urinating frequently and you’re not pregnant, ask your doctor to check your kidney function.
• Most women who are pregnant experience fatigue. This is because of a rise in progesterone during the first trimester, and typically goes away by the second. Of course, you may also be fatigued because of stress, illness, lack of sleep, change in exercise routine, or another cause.
• Some pregnancy symptoms are less common, but that doesn’t make them any less real. Some women experience spotting during implantation of the embryo. You might be constantly hungry and crave certain foods, or you might dislike foods you previously liked. Pregnancy can bring all kinds of symptoms, like headaches, dizziness, cramping, mood swings, and even a metallic taste in your mouth.

Because there are so many factors that can cause the same symptoms as pregnancy, the most accurate way to know if you’re pregnant is to take a test. You can take a home test as soon as you’ve missed your period or make an appointment for a blood test with your doctor. Whether you find out at home or in the office, make sure to schedule prenatal care as soon as possible to get your baby off to the best possible start.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people start families with healthy pregnancies. 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 fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

What Are Mental Leaps

Having a baby is a fascinating experience, because watching your new little person learn and develop is intriguing. Do you ever wonder what’s going on in your little one’s brain? There’s something called “mental leaps” that can help you understand how your baby is growing and changing.

It’s also called the “wonder weeks,” meaning there are weeks in a baby’s life during which certain things are typical because of mental leaps. A book entitled The Wonder Weeks was written in 1992 by anthropologist Hetty van de Rijt and psychologist Frans Plooij. The ideas in that book have expanded into several other books. There’s even a Wonder Weeks app to help parents track these changes.

It may be easier to understand mental leaps in terms of technology. Think of a mental leap like an update on one of your devices. All of a sudden something happens that’s beyond your control, but after it happens your phone or laptop can do many new things. Similarly, during these weeks your baby goes through an update, and afterward things change, and the brain and abilities are upgraded.

An update to your baby can be more frustrating and overwhelming than updating your phone. The change in your little one may come with a fussy phase, and a crying, cranky baby can be difficult to manage. It’s important to remember, though, that these mental leaps are part of a larger developmental picture. The app and the books can help you understand your baby, but they’re not a definitive guide to every single child. Each child develops at his or her own pace, and sometimes a fussy week can be a sign of a potential illness or a new tooth.

Even though every baby doesn’t follow the same schedule, it’s worth noting when these mental leaps occur. There are ten in the first two years of life, based on 40 weeks gestation. Remember that if your baby was early or late, you should adjust the weeks. The basic schedule is 5, 8, 12, 19, 26, 30, 37, 46, 55, and 64 weeks.

By keeping track of these weeks, you may be able to notice when your child is about to suddenly develop a new mental ability. If the week is approaching and your baby becomes grumpy and clingy, crying more, feeding more, and acting happy only when held. This is because the baby is changing and feels unsettled. Being close to you is comforting, and babies need more love and attention during a mental leap. These leaps can last a couple of days or a few weeks, but just remember, your baby is likely to be calmer and happier afterwards.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. 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 fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

What are Anti-Sperm Antibodies?

Are you and your partner struggling to become pregnant following vasectomy reversal surgery? Many factors affect the success rate of this procedure, including the potential development of anti-sperm antibodies. While this is a less common cause of male infertility, it’s still a factor worth exploring.

What are Anti-Sperm Antibodies?

Under normal conditions, sperm only exists within a man’s closed reproductive system. The tubules through which sperm travel don’t mix with other parts of the body. However, if sperm enters the bloodstream for any reason, the body’s immune system perceives the sperm as a foreign protein and produces anti-sperm antibodies in response.

Anti-sperm antibodies may cause sperm to clump together, reducing their ability to swim and subsequently reach the female egg. In rare cases, the antibodies can also cover the head of the sperm, rendering them unable to penetrate and fertilize the egg.

What Causes Anti-Sperm Antibodies?

In short, any time semen mixes with blood inside the body, anti-sperm antibodies are liable to form. Men may develop these antibodies for any of the following reasons:

• Vasectomy or other testicle surgery
• Tramatic testicle injury
• Prostate infection

Women’s reproductive systems can also produce anti-sperm antibodies if they have an allergic reaction to their partner’s semen. If present in the cervical mucus, these antibodies could damage or kill sperm as they enter the vagina. This condition is rare and not fully understood by the medical community.

Testing for Anti-Sperm Antibodies

An immunobead test (IBT) detects the presence of sperm-destroying antibodies in the blood, seminal fluid, or cervical mucus. Testing also indicates what part of the sperm is specifically affected. When performed on blood, an IBT can reveal whether the anti-sperm antibodies originate from the patient’s blood or reproductive system.

Because anti-sperm antibodies are relatively rare, and their presence doesn’t always cause infertility, your physician will likely review your medical history and conduct other tests before suggesting an IBT. Anti-sperm antibody testing should only be necessary if another cause of infertility can’t be found or the results of routine testing are inconclusive.

Treating Anti-Sperm Antibodies

While high levels of anti-sperm antibodies can make it difficult for some couples to get pregnant, their presence does not guarantee fertility issues. In fact, some findings suggest a low correlation between anti-sperm antibodies and the ability to conceive.

Still, if you’re having trouble getting pregnant, you may choose to pursue treatment for anti-sperm antibodies. Your options include immune response-lowering medication and assisted reproductive technology (ART), such as intrauterine insemination.

Dr. Joshua Green of the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is a leader in helping men overcome infertility problems. All infertility procedures we offer, including vasectomy reversal, are performed by a qualified surgeon using state-of-the-art equipment. Patients can expect concierge-level care and friendly staff interactions all along the way. To discuss your fertility concerns with Dr. Green, please contact our Sarasota, FL clinic at 941-894-6428 or schedule a free consultation online.

What is Postpartum Depression, and How Can You be There for Your Partner?

Carrying and delivering a baby causes a slew of hormonal changes in a woman’s body. At the very least, many new moms experience “baby blues” after giving birth, which may cause mood swings, anxiety, crying, and difficulty sleeping. Baby blues typically last no longer than two weeks.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is far more severe. This lingering mental condition is not a sign of weakness—it’s simply a complication of childbirth. If your partner experiences PPD, learn how you can be there for her during this difficult and emotional time.

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

PPD may be mistaken for baby blues at first, but the symptoms are more debilitating and may last months if left untreated. The signs of postpartum depression include:

• Depressed mood or severe mood swings
• Excessive crying
• Difficulty bonding with the baby
• Withdrawing from social outings
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Low energy levels
• Unwarranted irritability or anger
• Fear of being a bad mother
• Feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Thoughts of self-harm or hurting the baby
• Suicidal ideation

PPD in New Fathers

Between 2 and 20 percent of new dads experience postpartum depression as well, a condition known as paternal postpartum depression. Men with relationship issues, financial instability, a history of depression, or a partner with PPD are most at risk. If you’re a new father experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, talk to a healthcare professional.

How You Can be There for Your Partner

While postpartum depression is a mental illness that often requires medical treatment, you can do many practical things to help your partner recover. Here’s what we recommend:

• Help around the house.
• Prepare healthy meals.
• Reassure your partner that she’s a good mother.
• Tell her you’re proud of how hard she’s working, even though she feels terrible.
• Make yourself available by taking paternity leave or reducing your hours at work.
• Limit your time with extended family and friends.
• Answer her phone and take a message.
• Go with her to doctor’s appointments.
• Play the role of “listener” when she wants to talk about her feelings and struggles.
• Help her get more rest by dividing up nighttime parenting and letting her sleep in.
• Watch the baby so she can pursue a hobby or go out with a friend.
• Seek help from trusted adult friends and medical professionals so you don’t have to go it alone.

Even though you know postpartum depression and other complications are always possible, you may have made up your mind about becoming a parent. If you previously had a vasectomy, the first step is to have a vasectomy reversal. Dr. Joshua Green of the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is a leader in helping men become fathers. To learn more about having your vasectomy reversed, please contact our Sarasota, FL clinic at 941-894-6428 or schedule a free consultation online.

IVF vs. Vasectomy Reversal

Did you previously have a vasectomy to avoid unwanted pregnancies? What should you do if you and your female partner have decided you want to have kids together? There are two primary options for starting on the path to parenthood: in vitro fertilization (IVF) and vasectomy reversal. Consider what each process entails to help you make an informed decision.

How Does IVF Work?

In vitro fertilization aims to bypass all infertility problems by combining the woman’s egg and the man’s sperm outside the body. The resulting embryo is implanted into the woman’s uterus, where it will hopefully grow and develop into a baby.

When performing IVF after a vasectomy, a urologist must extract sperm surgically. This comes at a greater cost and higher risk than retrieving sperm naturally. Eggs must also be removed from the woman’s ovaries after delivering a cycle of hormones designed to stimulate the release of multiple eggs.

The risks associated with IVF are quite high. The mother and baby face the chance of serious complications, some of which may be life-long. The cost is also three to five times higher than vasectomy reversal surgery. Plus, IVF must be repeated with each failed attempt, often at a considerable emotional and financial cost.

How Does Vasectomy Reversal Work?

A vasectomy reversal is a restorative procedure design to reconnect the severed ends of the vas deferens, the tubes through which sperm travel from the testicles to the urethra. The procedure takes two to three hours to complete and should be performed by an experienced microsurgeon to reduce the risks and improve the chances of success.

If the procedure is successful, male fertility is restored, giving the couple a chance to conceive naturally without treating the female partner. A vasectomy reversal also makes it possible to have multiple children over the years without undergoing any further medical intervention.

Be aware that it can take several months after a vasectomy reversal for the female partner to become pregnant. Of course, even if sperm starts presenting in the ejaculate like normal, pregnancy depends on the female partner’s fertility as well. If she has contributing issues, IVF may be the only option after all.

Deciding Between IVF and Vasectomy Reversal

Every couple should consider what’s best for them when pursuing parenthood after a vasectomy. However, because of the costs and risks associated with IVF, a reversal with natural conception makes the most sense for a majority of couples.

We recommend starting your journey with a consultation at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal. Our highly skilled and experienced microsurgeon, Dr. Joshua Green, is a leader in vasectomy reversal surgery. All infertility procedures we offer are performed using a state-of-the-art, high-powered operating microscope. Our patients benefit from Dr. Green’s remarkable success rates and enjoy concierge-level care and friendly staff interactions every step of the way.

To discuss your infertility treatment options, please contact our Sarasota, FL clinic at 941-894-6428 or schedule a free consultation online.

How to Prepare For your Vasectomy Reversal

If you’re having a vasectomy reversal, it’s normal to feel some anxiety before the procedure. Any type of surgery can be intimidating, and vasectomy is certainly a serious undertaking. The procedure itself, however, is quite safe. It’s performed in an outpatient setting and has a high success rate. There are some things you can do to prepare for your vasectomy reversal that will help the entire process go more smoothly.

• Shake off the nerves. Trust your medical team and trust yourself. You’ve made an educated decision, choosing a reliable and experienced surgeon, and you can be confident in the choice you’ve made. Learn as much as you can about the procedure ahead of time, prepare yourself and your home for your recovery, and then rest in the knowledge that you’re in good hands.
• Watch what you put into your body. Stop smoking at least six weeks before your surgery, and don’t smoke for at least a month after the procedure. Better yet, don’t smoke at all! Avoid alcohol for a week before surgery, and steer clear of medications like aspirin for 48 hours before your procedure. Your doctor will advise you of any other medications to avoid, but the general rule is to stop taking blood thinners and anti-inflammatory medication. You will need to abstain from food and drink from midnight the night before your surgery. Don’t even chew gum, because this can stimulate gastric acids.
• Prepare your body for surgery. Take a shower the night before your surgery. You should also shave the area where you’ll have surgery, either the night before or the morning of your surgery. This includes the full area of the scrotal sac, extending to the groin areas on either side, but not the pubic area above the penis.
• Make preparations for your recovery. Enlist someone’s help getting to and from the clinic, because you won’t be able to drive for 48 hours after the surgery. Arrange time off work, because you’ll need at least a week to rest and recuperate. Make sure your home is in order, and that you have everything you’ll need in easy reach of the place where you plan to rest after surgery. Have a compassionate support system in place, so that you’ll know someone will be there to help care for you during the time that you need to take it easy and heal.

If you’re interested in reversing your vasectomy and you’re looking for an experienced professional surgical team, the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is here for you. 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 fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website, or call 941-894-6428 for a free consultation.