Your Sperm Count After a Vasectomy Reversal

Vasectomy reversals have a high success rate, and many men and their partners are able to conceive naturally after having a vasectomy reversed. However, reaching optimal sperm production after having the surgery can take as long as six to twelve months. Why so long? More importantly, is there anything that can be done to optimize your sperm count after a vasectomy reversal?  

To understand sperm count, it’s helpful to know a little bit about sperm production. A sperm cycle is usually about 90 days. That’s the amount of time it takes for your body to produce new sperm and get rid of the old sperm through ejaculation. After a vasectomy reversal, when a man goes in for his six–week postoperative semen analysis, the sperm motility is typically still low, because the man is still working on getting rid of old, dead, sperm found in the ejaculate. For most men, it takes about two sperm cycles, or six months, to achieve good sperm quality.  

If your vasectomy reversal was done by an experienced, well-qualified, specially trained microsurgeon, you can rest assured that your sperm counts will eventually rise as your body returns to optimal sperm production. It’s important to be patient, though, and understand that this process will take some time. While you wait, there are some things you can do to help boost your sperm count.  

• Take your recovery seriously. For a couple of weeks after your surgery, it’s important to take it easy, minimizing straining, pulling, lifting, and stretching. Even everyday actions like getting in and out of a car can cause strain, so be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions to the letter.  
• Don’t rush back into sex. After a vasectomy reversal, wait three to four weeks before resuming sexual activity. Once the waiting period is over, though, frequent ejaculation is a great way to keep the sperm flowing through your tubes, which helps keep them open.  
• Eat a nutrient-dense diet. While vitamin and antioxidants in supplement form may help, there’s really no substitute for a well-balanced diet that’s packed with vegetables and fruits.  
• Take anti-inflammatories if your doctor recommends them. At the post-operative check, your doctor can tell you whether there is scarring at the surgical site, which can be improved with anti-inflammatory medications.  
• Stay out of the hot tub. High water temperatures can kill healthy sperm, so avoid excessive heat.  
• Watch your alcohol consumption, and don’t smoke. Alcohol can impair sperm production, and smoking slows wound healing.  
• Follow up with your doctor. It’s important to keep all the recommended follow-up appointments so that your doctor can monitor your progress and make sure you’re healing correctly.  

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 Age Affects Vasectomy Reversal

Sometimes, men undergo vasectomies fairly early in their adulthood. It could be that the man feels he’ll never want children, or it might be that he and his partner decide they’re finished having a family, or it may be another, personal reason. Whatever compels the decision, there may come a time when he regrets having made it. Sometimes, it’s because he’s entered into a relationship with a new partner, and now they as a couple have decided they want more children. This may be much later in the man’s life, long after he had the vasectomy. Is it still possible, many years later, to have a vasectomy reversal?  

Yes, it’s still possible. A vasectomy can be successfully reversed years or even decades after the initial surgery. Is there a time at which a man is too old to have a vasectomy reversal?  

For women, the time of fertility is well-defined. Because women are born with a fixed number of eggs, conception becomes challenging by the time a woman is in her early to mid–40s. The eggs that have not been lost with ovulation over the course of her life have begun to age and decline in quality. While there are women who become pregnant in their 40s or even 50s, it’s not very common. For most women, it’s not easy to conceive at an older age, which is why women seeking fertility treatment often use donor eggs.  

For men, fertility is completely different. Men don’t start making sperm until they reach puberty, and they constantly make new sperm, turning their sperm reserve over completely every three to four months. The implications for fertility are simple: men in their 40s, 50s, and 60s typically have normal sperm production, and they’re making fresh sperm all the time, no matter their age. It’s only until a man reaches his 70’s or 80’s that sperm production falters, resulting in a lower sperm count.  

What does this mean for vasectomy reversal? Even in their 50s and 60s, men can successfully undergo vasectomy reversal. Many men have their vasectomies reversed in this age range and are able to conceive naturally. The bigger concern is the age of the man’s female partner, and if her age is an issue, there are many options that can be considered when trying to conceive.  

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.  

Facts You Should Know Before a Vasectomy Reversal

It happens more often than you might think. A man decides he does not want any more children, gets a vasectomy, and changes his mind later. In fact, as many as 30,000 men decide each year to have vasectomy reversals. If this is something you’re considering, here are some things you need to know.  

• Vasectomy reversal is definitely doable. Even though vasectomy is considered a permanent form of sterilization, vasectomy reversal actually has high success rates. It’s a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that simply restores continuity to the vas deferens. Using microsurgery techniques, the surgeon stitches the tubing back together, and in most cases, the patient can return to work within just a few days. It’s safe, too, with the risks of bleeding and infection at less than one half of a percent.  
• Vasectomy doesn’t stop the production of sperm. The vasectomy procedure doesn’t keep the testicles from making sperm, it just prevents the sperm from leaving the body. That’s why it’s possible to restore normal fertility with a vasectomy reversal. After a recovery time of about three weeks, during which time he’ll need to abstain from sex, a patient can begin trying to conceive. It may take as long as a year for fertility to return, however, particularly for men in whom there was a blockage in the epididymis.  
• Time can get in the way of a successful reversal. Vasectomy reversal works best, with a success rate of up to 95 percent, when the vasectomy was performed within 10 years. If it’s been more than 15 years since the procedure occurred, the success rate begins to decline. Even after a successful reversal, though, fertility may still be an issue, depending on the health of the man and his partner.  

• It’s important to consider your partner’s fertility as well as your own. When considering a vasectomy reversal, a man and his partner should be examined for any fertility issues. The quality of the man’s sperm, the age of the woman, and other factors may come into play and make other options more effective. Sometimes, a sperm retrieval procedure is used to enable in vitro fertilization.  
• Insurance doesn’t typically cover vasectomy reversal. If you are considering vasectomy reversal, be aware that you’ll probably need to pay for it out of pocket. When looking for a surgeon, it may be helpful to find one with flexible payment options.  

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.  

Does a Vasectomy or a Vasectomy Reversal Affect Your Sex Drive?

A vasectomy is a very popular form of birth control, and each year, about 500,000 men in the United States undergo this procedure in order to gain control over their reproduction. It’s safe and effective, and it’s permanent unless you choose to have it surgically reversed. Additionally, it’s cost effective and less invasive than a tubal ligation is for a woman. It’s easy to see why it’s a popular option, but many men have questions about their sex drive after they undergo a vasectomy.  

If you are concerned about this, there’s no need to worry. Experts have determined that there is no negative relationship between a vasectomy and sex drive because nothing in your body changes physiologically. The blood vessels and nerves that are involved in erections and ejaculation are intact after a vasectomy, so there’s no risk of impotence or a lowered ability to maintain an erection. Post-vasectomy, you should have the same libido and sex drive, and you’ll be able to have and maintain erections, ejaculate, and have an orgasm. There may be a small reduction in the volume of your ejaculate because vasectomy prevents sperm from being released into the semen. You’ll still have the same male hormones, though, and in addition to having the same sex drive, you’ll also have the same voice and be able to grow facial hair.  

In the first couple of months after a vasectomy, some men to report occasional mild aching in their testicles during arousal. But in fact, having a vasectomy can actually increase sexual satisfaction because men have less anxiety during lovemaking. This is because there’s no longer anxiety over a potential unplanned pregnancy. Because men have more control over their own reproductive function, they report more having intense, pleasurable, and spontaneous sex, more frequently.  

So what if a man decides to reverse his vasectomy? About ten percent of men decide later that they would like to have children and decide to have surgery to return sperm to the ejaculate. Does this reversal have a negative impact on the sex drive?  

Again, the answer is no. In fact, before a vasectomy, after a vasectomy, and after a vasectomy reversal, the testicles still produce testosterone, which stimulates the sex drive. Because a vasectomy reversal does not involve any of the structures that have an impact on a man’s libido or his ability to achieve and maintain an erection, neither the sex drive nor the erections are affected. After a vasectomy, fertility is restored sometime in the next year, and the drive to conceive can even boost the sex drive.  

If you’re considering a vasectomy reversal in Tampa or Orlando, 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 reversal of their vasectomy or have other concerns about their fertility. 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.  

Facts Women Want to Know About Vasectomy Reversals

Men are the ones who have vasectomies and vasectomy reversals, but the decision to undergo these procedures is usually made by a man and woman together. Interestingly, when men are considering having a vasectomy reversed, it’s often the women who have the most questions about the procedure. To address these concerns, we’ve compiled a list of questions women typically ask about vasectomy reversals, along with the answers to these questions.  

• What’s involved in a vasectomy reversal? A microsurgical procedure, a vasectomy reversal is intended to reattach the vans deferens, allowing it to transport sperm from the testicles to the penis. This is done in one of two ways: 
• If there’s sperm in the vas deferens, a vasovasostomy is used to reconnect the two cut ends of the vas deferens.  
• The other option is an epididymovasostomy, in which the surgeon sutures the ends of the vas deferens to the epididymis, bypassing a blockage on the vasectomy site.  
• Is it dangerous? The risks and complications of a vasectomy reversal are similar to those posed by a vasectomy. These include pain and swelling during the first few days, and a slight risk of infection, which can be treated with an antibiotic. Sometimes, men experience issues like nausea, headache, constipation, or muscle aches, and there’s a possibility that blood will accumulate in the scrotum as a hematoma. If that happens, the doctor can drain the hematoma.  
• How long does the procedure take? It depends on what type of surgery is needed. A vasovasostomy takes between two and five hours, but an epididymovasostomy takes an hour or two longer.  
• Does a vasectomy reversal affect libido? No! None of the structures that are involved in arousal or getting and maintaining an erection are impacted by vasectomy reversal. Therefore, just as with a vasectomy, a vasectomy reversal does not have an effect on the sex drive.  
• How long is the recovery time after a vasectomy reversal? A vasectomy reversal is typically performed in an outpatient or office setting, and men can go home after a short while, as long as they feel well enough to travel. For at least the first 24 hours, bed rest will be required. After that, it’s important to restrict activities for about four or five days. For the first three to four weeks, all heavy lifting and physical exertion should be avoided. To alleviate discomfort in the first 48 hours or so, an ice pack can be used to minimize swelling, and pain relievers can relieve discomfort. Sexual activity should be avoided for about 30 days.  
• What’s the success rate of vasectomy reversals? Overall, the success rate for a vasectomy reversal within ten years of the vasectomy can reach 97 percent, and after 15 years it drops to about 70 percent. The type of surgery affects the success rate, with epididymovasostomy at a lower rate of about 50-60 percent.  
• How long does it take for fertility to return after a vasectomy is reversed? Usually, it takes several months for fertility to return, and sometimes it can take up to a year. Once fertility is restored, a vasectomy reversal results in pregnancy in 40 to 75 percent of cases.  
• If the procedure doesn’t work, what are some other options? The good news is that there are several options available. If it’s not successful, you can always try a repeat vasectomy. Another possibility is to use Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), which includes approaches like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). 
• How can I choose the best doctor for vasectomy reversal? Ask your family doctor or urologist for referrals, or search the internet for qualified vasectomy reversal microsurgeons. Once you have compiled a list of possible surgeons, check their websites and arrange for consultations with the most promising. Ask questions about the doctor’s educational background and whether he or she completed a specialized fellowship, as well as questions about the doctor’s success rate and how many vasectomies have been performed. Ask for credentials and recommendations, compiling your list of questions before you go. 

If you’re considering a vasectomy reversal in Tampa or Orlando, 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 reversal of their vasectomy or have other concerns about their fertility. 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.  

Answers to Your Top Questions About Vasectomy Reversals

If you are considering a vasectomy reversal, it’s natural to have a number of questions about what to expect from the process. At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we’re committed to ensuring that every patient has the information he needs to make an informed decision about surgery, and we’re always available to address your questions and concerns. Here are the answers to some of the questions that arise most often among vasectomy reversal patients.  

What happens during a vasectomy reversal? 

During a vasectomy reversal surgery, the goal is to restore the presence of sperm in the ejaculate. This can be done by reconnecting the vas deferens or by connecting the vas deferens to the epididymis, which is done if there is a blockage in a portion of the vas deferens from the original vasectomy procedure. For most men, reconnecting the vas deferens is sufficient, but your surgeon will decide which approach is right for your specific needs.  

Are vasectomy reversals successful? 

Success rates for vasectomy reversals vary and depend on several different factors, including the length of time since the vasectomy. Before your surgery, your doctor will discuss your chances for success with you, though it is impossible to predict with certainty whether a reversal will restore fertility. It can take several months to determine if a reversal procedure was successful. If your doctor doesn’t think you are a good candidate for a reversal, you can still explore other fertility procedures, such as sperm aspiration combined with IVF.  

How long is the recovery? 

Vasectomy reversal can be performed with a minimally invasive procedure, which helps to shorten the recovery period. After surgery, you will have small drains in the scrotum, which will be removed the next day. You will need to wear an athletic supporter 24 hours per day for about the first month. Soreness is common for the first few days but is usually easy to manage.  

Learn more about vasectomy reversals by contacting the Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Sarasota, Orlando, and Tampa. You can schedule a consultation with Dr. Green by calling (941) 894-6428. 

What Are Options for Having a Baby Without Getting a Vasectomy Reversal?

Vasectomy reversals have a high success rate. Most men who undergo vasectomy reversals will once again have sperm present in the ejaculate, although it can take months before they will test positive. Unfortunately, there can sometimes be complications, such as blockages. If the reconnection of the vas deferens is unlikely to result in the presence of sperm in the ejaculate, the vasectomy reversal surgeon may perform a microepididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) procedure. 

The MESA technique involves the removal of sperm directly from the epididymis. The sperm can then be used in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. Depending on factors pertaining to female fertility, the sperm might be used in an intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedure. In this case, it would be injected into the womb while the female partner is ovulating. Or, the sperm can be used in an intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedure, in which the sperm is directly injected into the eggs. 

Dr. Green specializes in vasectomy reversals and MESA procedures. To discuss your options for starting a family, call Dr. Green in Sarasota at (941) 894-6428 and schedule a consult at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal. 

Common Reasons that Men Change Their Minds About Their Vasectomies

There are plenty of options for birth control, but few of them are permanent. Men may decide to get a vasectomy if they think they’re all done having children, or if they think they never want to have kids. But quite often, guys change their minds. If you’ve been thinking about getting a vasectomy reversal, you’re not alone. Plenty of other men have gone back to the surgeon’s office after changing their mind about having children. 

Realizing They Aren’t Done Having Kids 

Many men who undergo vasectomy reversals have already had one or more children. When the kids are young and demand a great deal of time and attention, it can be easy to decide that you’ve had enough children. But as the kids grow up and empty nest syndrome sets in, many couples decide they want another chance at parenthood. There are lots of advantages to being an older father. Older dads have more wisdom to pass down. They also have the patience that comes from personally experiencing sleepless nights with an infant and long waits in doctors’ offices with sick kids. 

Divorcing and Finding Love Again 

Divorce is often perceived as a failure, but perhaps it shouldn’t be. Rather, it’s a chance to start over and an opportunity to find love again. Some men who have previously had a vasectomy later get divorced. When they find a new partner, they might want to have children together. 

Suffering from Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome 

Vasectomies are routine procedures and serious complications aren’t common. But some men develop post-vasectomy pain syndrome (PVPS). PVPS can be chronic and it may be debilitating for some men. A vasectomy doesn’t stop sperm production; it only stops the release of sperm into the ejaculate. It’s thought that PVPS develops as a result of the accumulation of sperm, which exerts pressure on the vas deferens. One way to address PVPS symptoms is to get a vasectomy reversal. 

If you’ve changed your mind about your vasectomy, the Center for Vasectomy Reversal invites you to consult Dr. Joshua Green. He is a leading vasectomy reversal surgeon in Sarasota who specializes in male infertility procedures. Call (941) 894-6428. Out-of-towners are welcome. 

It’s Been a Long Time Since My Vasectomy. Can I Still Get a Reversal?

Most men who have vasectomies do so because they feel sure that they no longer want to have children. However, life can change in unexpected ways, even long after a vasectomy procedure. If this happens to you, you may be wondering if it has simply been too long since your original procedure to consider a vasectomy reversal. How long is too long to wait to change your mind? 

Vasectomy reversals have the highest rates of success when they are performed soon after the original procedure. That doesn’t mean that reversals can’t be successful even decades later. Dr. Green has seen patients have successful reversals more than 20 years after their vasectomies since men produce sperm for their entire lives. If a vasectomy reversal is not possible, sperm retrieval for IVF is another option.  

The best way to decide if a vasectomy reversal is right for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal. To learn more about having a vasectomy reversal in Sarasota, call (941) 894-6428 today. 

Will You Need Pre-Surgery Testing?

Before you have any type of surgery, including a vasectomy reversal, it’s crucial to inform the doctor of your full medical history. The vasectomy reversal surgeon needs to know about your pre-existing medical conditions, prior history of surgeries, and the medications and supplements you may be taking, including over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. In some cases, patients may be asked to undergo pre-surgery medical testing. 

It’s particularly important to inform the doctor if you take medications for high blood pressure. The surgeon may need you to have a simple blood test. And if you are in poor overall health, you may need to see your primary physician in order to get medically cleared for surgery. Medical clearance means that it’s generally safe for you to undergo surgery, despite the presence of medical conditions. 

Receive the personalized guidance and medical advice you need when you become a patient at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Sarasota. Call (941) 894-6428 to request an appointment with Dr. Green.