• 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.

  • What Is a Normal Sperm Count?

    After having a vasectomy reversal, you may have several semen analysis tests to determine whether sperm is once again present in your semen, and, if so, what your sperm count is. When you watch this featured video, you’ll learn the basics of semen analysis results. For example, a normal sperm count is anywhere from 40 to 300 million. A count below 10 million is considered quite low.

    It’s considered alright for a sperm count to be no lower than 20 million, as long as the motility and morphology of the sperm are normal. This video also discusses the factors that might affect the results of the semen analysis and how normal sperm motility is defined.

    If you’re looking for a vasectomy reversal surgeon in Sarasota, look no further than Dr. Joshua Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal. Call us today at (941) 894-6428 to discuss your male infertility concerns.

  • Breaking Down Myths About Vasectomy Reversals

    If you’ve already been through a vasectomy, you probably already know some basic information about vasectomy reversals . But just how accurate is it? There are plenty of misconceptions about vasectomy reversals, and it’s important to get the truth behind the myths before you make a decision about whether to have the surgery.

    Myth: Vasectomy reversals are ineffective for older men.

    Vasectomy reversals can be a viable option for older men. However, it’s important to consider whether other factors—aside from the original vasectomy—might contribute to a couple’s infertility. Women of advanced maternal age, for example, may have a harder time conceiving. And as men grow older, their sperm is more likely to be of poor quality. However, it’s still entirely possible for a vasectomy reversal performed on an older man to result in a healthy pregnancy.

    Myth: If it’s been 10 years, a reversal won’t work.

    It’s true that there is a higher rate of success when a vasectomy reversal is performed not too long after the original surgery. The highest success rates are seen in men who have the reversal fewer than five years after the original procedure. Yet, even after this point, the average success rates are still quite high. The best chance of a successful procedure lies in choosing an experienced reversal specialist.

    Myth: IVF is usually quicker and easier than a reversal.

    Some men may be hesitant to undergo a reversal, assuming that in vitro fertilization (IVF) would be more successful, easier, and more cost-effective. In truth, IVF is a very difficult process for couples. It’s not uncommon for couples to have to go through multiple cycles of IVF, which is an expensive procedure that may not be covered by insurance. Compared to IVF, vasectomy reversals are generally preferred.

    Dr. Joshua Green in Sarasota is committed to giving his patients all the information they need to make the right decision for them. At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal , you’ll find a patient-focused practice that strives for healthcare excellence. Call us at (941) 894-6428 to request a consult with Dr. Green.

  • A Look at Our Convenient Services for Out-of-Town Patients

    At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, the majority of patients come to us from out-of-town to get quality care from Dr. Green. We work closely with these patients to ensure that their vasectomy reversal schedules are compatible with their travel needs. We also strive to minimize the amount of traveling that has to occur before and after the procedure, so that your vasectomy reversal is as convenient and affordable as possible.

    Before surgery, most of the pre-operative processes can happen remotely, via phone and email, so you don’t have to make a separate trip to our center for a consultation. Patients typically arrive for vasectomy reversal surgeries at 11:30 a.m., so you can travel to Sarasota on the morning of the procedure if you can arrive by that time. Most patients spend at least one night in Sarasota so that they can have their post-procedure follow-up visit with Dr. Green. We have an agreement with the Hampton Inn Sarasota to provide a discounted rate for our patients.

    Don’t hesitate to contact the Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Sarasota with your questions about traveling to our clinic for your procedure. Dial (941) 894-6428 for more information.

  • Comparing V-V and V-E Procedures

    Different surgical techniques might be used to perform a vasectomy reversal. The vaso-vasostomy (V-V) technique involves making a small incision in either side of the scrotum. The surgeon removes the scar tissue, flushes the vas deferens, and checks for sperm. If the surgeon sees sperm or the fluid is clear, the surgeon can go ahead and carefully reconnect the separated ends of the vas.

    In some cases, the surgeon might observe that the fluid is pasty and thick, rather than clear. This usually doesn’t occur when the reversal procedure is performed within a decade or so of the vasectomy. When this situation does arise, the surgeon will perform a vaso-epididymostomy (V-E) procedure. To allow for the transfer of sperm, a V-E procedure involves connecting the vas deferens to one of the tubules located on the epididymis. The epididymis is located behind the testicles. It transfers sperm to the vas deferens.

    For years, vasectomy reversal patients have been coming to Dr. Joshua Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal because of his stellar reputation as a skillful, attentive doctor. If you’re considering having a vasectomy reversal near Sarasota, call our clinic today at (941) 894-6428.

  • Questions to Ask During Your Post-Vasectomy Reversal Checkup

    Like any other surgical procedure, patients can expect to have a follow-up appointment after a vasectomy reversal . The specific policies can vary between clinics, but vasectomy reversal surgeons will generally want to see patients the day after their surgery. It’s a good idea to write down a list of questions before your appointment or ask your partner to keep track of the post-operative information.

    Why am I experiencing pain?

    Most men do not experience significant pain after the procedure. It’s normal for the discomfort to increase once the anesthetic wears off, which is why your surgeon might have instructed you to take a pain reliever shortly after the procedure. If you are experiencing worsening pain, it may be because you’re trying to move around too much, you aren’t wearing the scrotal support, or you aren’t applying ice packs as directed. Double-check your post-operative instructions to make sure you’re taking care of yourself appropriately.

    How long should I refrain from sex?

    Your surgeon will likely ask that you refrain from sex for at least three weeks. This includes all types of sexual activity and ejaculation.

    When can I return to work?

    Every patient’s recovery is a little different, but most men with sedentary jobs can expect to go back to work within a few days. If your job requires a great deal of walking, driving, or intensive physical labor, it’s best to defer to your surgeon for further guidance.

    How soon should I get a sperm analysis?

    After having a vasectomy reversal, it’s natural to feel a little impatient about the results. However, it can take several months or longer for sperm to be present in the semen again. Your surgeon might ask that you ejaculate a couple dozen times before having the sperm test.

    When you become a patient of Dr. Green’s at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal , you will receive extensive post-operative support and care. Vasectomy reversal patients in Sarasota and out-of-town patients all receive Dr. Green’s personal cellphone number in the event any problems arise. To reach our clinic, call (941) 894-6428.

  • A Couple’s Guide to Preparing for a Vasectomy Reversal Procedure

    Male infertility can be very tough for a couple to cope with. After making the decision to have a vasectomy reversal , men and their partners might feel a sense of relief that they are moving forward with a major life change. Preparing for the surgery might not be as exciting as choosing baby names or nursery décor, but it’s still an opportunity to grow closer as a couple. In addition to having an in-depth consultation with the vasectomy reversal surgeon, you can use the following tips to get ready for the big day.

    Consider the possibility of female infertility.

    It isn’t uncommon for a couple to be affected by both male and female infertility. Women often choose to undergo fertility testing to determine if they need any treatments. If this is the case, it might make sense to treat female infertility after the vasectomy reversal. It will take at least a few months for the sperm to be detectable in the semen again.

    Make arrangements for traveling and accommodations.

    After scheduling the surgery date, consider whether you need to make any travel arrangements. Even if you only live a couple of hours away from the vasectomy reversal clinic, it’s often preferable to find a local hotel. After the surgery, men need to get plenty of rest and restrict movement. Sitting in a cramped car can be uncomfortable for a post-operative patient. Plus, the doctor will likely need to see the patient the day after the surgery for a follow-up exam.

    Stock up on ice packs and pillows.

    For the first few days, men are advised to keep their feet elevated and apply ice packs to the scrotal area . Stock up on comfortable pillows and purchase multiple ice packs, as it will take an ice pack a while to refreeze after each use. You can purchase small bags of frozen peas or corn to use as ice packs.

    At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Sarasota, patients receive an unparalleled level of care and attentiveness from Dr. Joshua Green and his staff. Please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions about your upcoming procedure. You can reach our office at (941) 894-6428.

  • What to Do When Infertility Persists After Vasectomy Reversal

    The success rate for vasectomy reversals is high. If your v asectomy was less than five years ago , the odds of restoring sperm to the ejaculate with a reversal procedure are 95% or greater, while those whose vasectomies were more than 10 years ago have an 80-90% chance of succeeding. However, a successful vasectomy reversal is only the first step in achieving a pregnancy, and in some cases, infertility persists after the procedure. If you are still struggling to conceive, here is a look at the steps you can take.

    Review Your Procedure Results

    After vasectomy reversal, your surgeon will look for presence of sperm in your ejaculate at set intervals to determine if the procedure was a success. Keep in mind that while most men produce sperm throughout their lifetimes, the levels may vary. You can have a successful vasectomy reversal but have a significantly lower level of sperm in the ejaculate than before your vasectomy. Generally, the more time that has passed since your vasectomy, the lower the levels of sperm in the ejaculate. Your surgeon can discuss issues of low sperm count with you so you can understand how they may impact your goal of growing your family.

    Consider Contributing Issues

    In some case, female infertility issues can compound male infertility. If you are struggling to conceive after a successful reversal, it is important for your partner to also see her doctor to determine if she has an underlying fertility problem. For both parties, chronic medical conditions can also interfere with fertility, including diabetes and obesity.

    Look into Other Options

    Your vasectomy reversal surgeon may be able to help with sperm retrieval for fertility treatments, such as IVF. For some couples, additional medical treatment either is not likely to be effective or is unlikely to be successful, in which case adoption could be an option.

    At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we understand how important starting or growing a family is to our vasectomy reversal surgery patients, and we’re here to offer comprehensive and compassionate care throughout the process. Make an appointment for a consultation for vasectomy reversal in Sarasota today by calling (941) 894-6428.

  • 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.

  • Starting Your New Family: Increasing the Chances of Pregnancy

    Vasectomy reversal is usually the first step in starting a new family, but it isn’t a guarantee that pregnancy will be easy. In addition to working closely with your vasectomy reversal surgeon to determine if your procedure was successful, there may also be fertility issues that your partner might need to address before you can achieve a pregnancy.

    Watch this video to learn some of the ways that women can address lingering fertility issues when a vasectomy reversal doesn’t result in a pregnancy. When IVF becomes necessary for a couple, a vasectomy reversal surgeon can assist with sperm retrieval.

    At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal , we help couples achieve their dream of starting a family with effective infertility procedures. To learn more about how we can help you, contact our vasectomy reversal surgeon Dr. Green in Sarasota by calling our clinic at (941) 894-6428.