A vasectomy is considered a form of permanent birth control, but if you’ve changed your mind about wishing to conceive after undergoing one, a vasectomy reversal may be an effective solution. During a vasectomy reversal, the vas deferens is restored to allow sperm to be released during ejaculation and make conceiving a child possible again. However, the likelihood of success will depend on how long it has been since you underwent the initial procedure. Take a look at this infographic from Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Sarasota, FL. Please share this information with friends and family who may also be interested in vasectomy reversal .

Vasectomy reversals are delicate procedures that require the touch of a skillful, experienced surgeon. Despite their complexity for the surgeon, however, the experience for the patient is relatively straightforward. No hospital stay is required. Men do need to follow some pre-operative and post-operative guidelines, and one of those is to avoid alcohol.

When Men Should Avoid Alcohol

Vasectomy reversal surgeons will give their own personalized instructions to their patients. In general, most advise avoiding alcohol for two weeks prior to the procedure. Men must also stay away from alcoholic beverages for about a month after the surgery, until they are fully healed.

Why Patients Should Avoid Alcohol

The restriction on alcohol isn’t unique to vasectomy reversals. Patients undergoing any type of surgery should follow these guidelines for best results. Similar to tobacco use, alcohol consumption inhibits the healing process , and can make recovery take longer. Alcohol also acts on the immune system, which can increase the likelihood of a post-operative infection. Surgical patients who consume alcohol are at a higher risk of other complications and side effects, including the following:

• Excessive bleeding
• Heart problems
• Pneumonia
• Hospital admittance

Men who have trouble stopping their alcohol use may need to postpone the vasectomy reversal. Alcohol use disorder results in moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms, and sudden withdrawal may sometimes be medically serious. Patients are advised to consult their physicians if they think they may have a problem with alcohol abuse.

How Alcohol Affects Male Fertility

Although men should be able to resume their alcohol consumption a month or so after surgery, doing so might not necessarily be a good idea, as the purpose of a vasectomy reversal is to become a parent. Heavy alcohol use can adversely affect the quality of sperm. It may also lead to impotence and the loss of libido.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we’re committed to equipping each of our patients and their partners with the information and resources they need to make wise healthcare decisions. Dr. Green is an accomplished vasectomy reversal surgeon serving Sarasota and out-of-town patients. You can request an appointment or a long-distance consult by calling (941) 894-6428.

If you and your partner have decided that it’s time to start a family, but he has previously had a vasectomy, you might be discussing the possibility of vasectomy reversal . This microsurgical procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, and it is not much different than getting the vasectomy itself. However, it can still be stressful for your partner, so he may need you to provide extra support and help through his recovery to create a path to conception. Below, you will find some guidelines for offering support to your partner as he undergoes infertility procedures in Sarasota.

Keep Open Lines of Communication

It is important to be open and honest as you communicate with your partner about your family planning goals and expectations. Though vasectomy reversal is a minor, minimally invasive surgery, it should still only be considered after careful discussion and planning. You should also welcome your partner to express any worries or concerns that might have him feeling more stressed prior to his surgery.

Attend Appointments with Your Partner

You may need to provide some help during the recovery process, and it can be helpful to have a better understanding of the surgery that your partner has had. Attending the surgical consultation and follow-up appointments with your partner can allow you to be more helpful and supportive in recovery, so he can get back to his routine more quickly.

Prepare Healthy Meals at Home

Following vasectomy reversal, it can be helpful to practice good habits for boosting male fertility, which can include changing eating habits. By preparing healthy, nutritious, balanced meals for yourself and your partner, you can assist in a healthy restoration of fertility that will allow you to start your family.

Working with the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, you will find the comprehensive male fertility care your partner needs as well as plenty of resources and patient education to guide you through the treatment process. To learn more about us or schedule an initial consultation, visit us online or call (941) 894-6428.

After your vasectomy reversal procedure, you will need to devote a period of time to your recovery so that you can reduce the risk of post-surgical complications. At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we will explain what to expect during your recovery in full, so you can prepare appropriately.

Immediately after your surgery, you may experience some discomfort for up to 48 hours. Many man say that the level of their discomfort is similar to what they experienced when they had their vasectomies. The day following your procedure, you will need to have your surgical drains removed in the office. For 30 days, you will be required to wear snug scrotal support to prevent injury to the surgical site. You will be able to resume sexual activity about three weeks after your procedure.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we’re happy to answer all of your questions about what to expect before, during, and after your procedure. To schedule a consultation for a vasectomy reversal in Sarasota , please call (941) 894-6428.

There are some unmodifiable factors that affect the success of vasectomy reversals. These include the length of time that has passed since the original surgery, and the exact location of the vasectomy. When the vasectomy was performed farther away from the testicle, success is more likely. However, some factors that influence the chances of conception are within a couple’s ability to modify. These include the selection of a highly skilled and experienced vasectomy reversal surgeon, and the careful management of lifestyle issues .

Systemic Diseases

The success of a vasectomy reversal can depend in part on whether a man has other risk factors of infertility, such as a systemic, chronic disease. Men who have conditions like diabetes, celiac disease, and hormonal imbalances may have trouble with conception even after a successful reversal. Treating these conditions will improve the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy. Some health conditions might not directly cause infertility, but the medications used to treat them might. It isn’t advisable to stop taking a prescribed medicine without clearance from a doctor, but the doctor might be able to switch the patient to a different medication instead.

Weight Management

Obesity can cause hormonal imbalances. It can also directly affect the health of the sperm. Both of these problems might cause male infertility. Men who are thinking about having a vasectomy reversal can improve their chances of a successful procedure by starting a workout program and improving their diet.

Tobacco Use

There are no benefits of using tobacco, and virtually limitless reasons why it’s harmful. One of those reasons is its impact on male and female fertility. Since secondhand smoke will jeopardize a child’s health —both before and after birth—men who use tobacco will need to quit regardless.

Looking for a skilled vasectomy reversal surgeon near Sarasota? Call Dr. Joshua Green at (941) 894-6428, and schedule a consult at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal. Our clinic considers it a privilege to help couples achieve their dreams of welcoming a child into the world.

Strong, lasting relationships are built on open communication, honesty, and mutual respect. It isn’t possible for one partner to force the other to want to have a child, and trying to do so may only jeopardize the relationship. Even if your partner does want a vasectomy reversal , thinking about it and doing it are two different things. Have a heart-to-heart with your significant other, and try to keep an open mind during the conversation.

Talking About Parenthood

The decision to become new parents or to add to your family is not one to be made lightly. You might feel the urge to hold a baby in your arms, but are you prepared to handle everything else? It’s perfectly all right to experience mixed feelings on this matter—your partner probably does, too. The two of you should openly share your thoughts, concerns, and desires regarding parenthood. Perhaps you two decide that, while you aren’t quite ready to be parents yet, you might decide to have a child in a few years. If this is the case, then having a vasectomy reversal now would be a wise decision, as a prompt procedure may improve the likelihood of success. Additionally, it can take a while for fertility to be restored after the reversal.

Considering the Vasectomy Reversal

Perhaps you both do decide that you want a child, but aren’t quite sure about the surgery yet. Both partners can sit down with a surgeon to discuss the specifics of the procedure, such as how to prepare, what to expect, what the recovery would be like, and what the chances of success are.

Taking Time for Clarity of Mind

Regarding reversals and parenthood, the only wrong decision is the one you regret. After talking about it with your partner and meeting with the surgeon, take a few weeks to let your thoughts percolate. Then, you and your partner can make a final decision.

When it’s time to talk to a vasectomy reversal surgeon with your partner, call Dr. Green. The Center for Vasectomy Reversal provides specialized medical services, including the vaso-vasostomy and vaso-epididymostomy procedures. Call Dr. Green’s clinic in Sarasota at (941) 894-6428.

Men who undergo a vasectomy reversal often report that the recovery isn’t as arduous as they’d expected. It’s normal to experience some discomfort for the first one to two days, but there are effective and simple ways to manage it. As long as you follow the post-operative instructions from your vasectomy reversal surgeon , you should heal well.

Applying an Ice Pack

Cold constricts the blood vessels, which suppresses inflammation and swelling. As an ice pack numbs the area, it eliminates pain. For both of these reasons, your surgeon will instruct you to apply an ice pack wrapped to the scrotal area for 20 minutes at a time during the first 24 to 48 hours. Keep a thin towel between the ice pack and your skin.

Caring for the Surgical Site

Keeping the surgical site clean and dry will help prevent the discomfort that an infection would cause. Wash the skin gently. Men can usually shower the day after having a vasectomy reversal, but should refrain from taking a bath or swimming for about three to five days.

Restricting Your Activity

It isn’t necessary to stay on bed rest after a vasectomy reversal, but do take it easy for a while. Light activities can be resumed within a day or two, but avoid exercising and other strenuous activities for at least a week. Avoid sexual activity for at least three weeks.

Taking Prescribed Medications

Potent pain medication usually isn’t necessary after this minimally invasive surgery. Your surgeon may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, but you can ask about prescription pain relievers if OTC drugs are insufficient to control the discomfort.

Supporting the Surgical Site

Scrotal support is essential after a vasectomy reversal. Wear a jock strap for a full month after the surgery, day and night.

Patients of Dr. Joshua Green in Sarasota receive extensive pre-operative education to help them prepare for a successful and comfortable recovery. Learn more about becoming a patient at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal by browsing our website, or get in touch with us by calling (941) 894-6428.

Vasectomy reversals are delicate, complex surgeries that require a great deal more technical skill than the original vasectomy. Because of this, men are advised to seek medical care from a specialist, even if it requires some travel. Traveling out of town for surgery requires a little extra prep work, but it’s definitely manageable. A vasectomy reversal surgeon and your significant other can lend a hand.

Completing the Pre-Op Necessities

One common misconception about traveling for surgery is that patients must make multiple trips to the clinic to take care of the necessary pre-operative consultation and tests. These tasks can often be handled remotely. You can consult your surgeon via phone, and transmit your medical records digitally. Upon reviewing your medical history, the surgeon may ask that you visit a local medical facility to have any needed medical tests performed. The results can also be transmitted electronically. If need be, you can visit your regular family physician to obtain medical clearance before the surgery.

Deciding How to Get There

Once you’ve scheduled the surgery, consider how to get to the clinic. If you don’t live too far away, driving may be preferable, but do make sure your partner can drive the whole way back. If the distance makes driving undesirable, check your flight options. The genital region will be somewhat uncomfortable after surgery, so consider treating yourself to premium seating in first class.

Deciding How Long to Stay There

Out-of-town patients should expect to stay overnight. Vasectomy reversal is an outpatient procedure, so you’ll stay at a hotel instead of a hospital. The next day, you’ll see the surgeon for a follow-up visit, and you’ll likely be cleared to return home. If your partner is driving you home, you can depart the day after surgery. You might not be cleared to fly right away after surgery. Talk to your surgeon about when you should schedule your return flight.

Given Dr. Joshua Green’s sterling reputation, many patients choose to travel to his vasectomy reversal clinic in Sarasota. For your convenience, we can handle preparatory matters remotely, and you can obtain medical clearance from your primary care physician. Call the Center for Vasectomy Reversal at (941) 894-6428.

Vasectomy reversal surgery can be the first step to starting or growing your family. Although the surgery is considered to be safe and effective for most people, the healthier you are before surgery, the fewer complications you are likely to have. Before your procedure, your vasectomy reversal surgery may recommend some steps you can take to make sure you are in the best possible condition before your procedure. These tips for improving your health will also help.

Stop Smoking

Smoking and surgery are always a bad mix. When you smoke, anesthesia can be riskier, and your blood may not clot as effectively. Your wounds will also heal more slowly, and you will be more vulnerable to infection. If you’re undergoing a vasectomy reversal in hopes of starting a family, it is also important to note that smoking can be detrimental to your fertility. Talk to your surgeon about when you should stop smoking before your procedure. Generally, cutting back or quitting about six to eight weeks before surgery is recommended.

Lose Weight

Excess weight can cause many of the same risks during surgery as smoking, including complications from anesthesia and slow wound healing. Being overweight can also interfere with fertility. You shouldn’t go on a crash diet before surgery that may deprive you of nutrients your body needs to heal. Instead, focus on choosing healthy foods and exercising more, so you’ll lose weight while increasing your health.

Get Mentally Prepared

Vasectomy reversal is generally a minor procedure, but it can still cause stress and concern. Because you may be anxious about male infertility and whether the procedure will be effective, you may feel even more nervous. Be sure to ask your surgeon all of your questions before your procedure, and focus on the positive things that are ahead. Stress and anxiety can slow down your healing process.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Sarasota, Dr. Green works closely with each patient to develop a personalized care plan designed to yield the best possible results. If you are considering a vasectomy reversal , call us at (941) 894-6428.

It’s natural to experience some anxiety before any surgical procedure. If you’ve just scheduled a vasectomy reversal, the surgeon will explain that it will be performed under general, regional, or local anesthesia. Regardless of which type of anesthesia you choose, you will not feel any pain during the procedure. When the vasectomy reversal surgeon clears you to return home with your partner, you may be given a prescription for pain medications.

As the anesthetic wears off, you will likely experience some pain, discomfort, and swelling. Most men do not find that the pain is severe, and it can generally be well controlled with medicines. You’ll likely experience soreness in the area for a few days, which can be managed by following your doctor’s instructions with regard to applying cold packs and wearing an athletic supporter.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, Dr. Joshua Green in Sarasota is committed to guiding his patients through every step of the recovery process . Give us a call today at (941) 894-6428 to discuss becoming a patient of Dr. Green’s.