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.

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.

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.

Men initially decide to have vasectomies when they feel confident that their days of having children are behind them for good. This notion can change for many different reasons, which can then lead to the desire for a vasectomy reversal . For couples, deciding to have a reversal procedure can be a process, especially when one partner starts out feeling more positive about the surgery than the other. If you want to start the conversation about vasectomy reversal with your partner, these steps can help.

Pick the Right Time

Having a vasectomy reversal is not a decision to take lightly, so make sure you choose a time to bring up the subject when both you and your partner have time to talk. Some couples may prefer having this conversation over dinner in a restaurant, while others may feel more comfortable broaching the subject during a quiet weekend morning at home. Choose a time for the conversation when neither party is in a rush or under pressure and when you have the privacy to say what is on your mind.

Consider Your Different Roles

Vasectomy reversal is something that couples can approach together, but each party’s experience of the procedure is different. Men who undergo surgery have to face the natural anxiety of having a medical procedure and the associated recovery, while women play a supportive role. Recognize how the process can affect each of you differently, and discuss how each of you can support each other throughout the process. Acknowledging these different experiences and planning for them can help to prevent resentment as you move forward.

Talk About Your Plan B

Although many vasectomy reversal procedures are successful, some are not. Discuss what your next step will be if the reversal doesn’t help you grow your family. You may wish to consider additional fertility treatments, including sperm retrieval for IVF, or adoption.

The Center for Vasectomy Reversal can provide information about vasectomy reversal surgery in Sarasota so you can make an informed decision about the procedure. Find out more about Dr. Green and our clinic today by calling (941) 894-6428.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we understand that the financial burden of surgery can sometimes be intimidating for patients, but don’t let concerns about paying for the procedure stop you from having the family you want. Since vasectomy reversals are not covered by insurance, the costs fall to the patient, but we work hard to make this procedure affordable for everyone.

Your surgery requires a $1,000 deposit to reserve a time for your procedure, which leaves a balance of $6,250. One week prior to your surgery, the balance is due. However, we offer payment plans for families who cannot meet the entire cost of a vasectomy reversal in one payment. We also accept credit cards and offer a discount to active military members.

Contact the Center for Vasectomy Reversal today to discuss the cost of vasectomy reversal procedures and decide on the best way for you to proceed. To make an appointment with Dr. Green in Sarasota, please call (941) 894-6428.

It’s perfectly natural to become a little nervous before having surgery, even if this won’t be your first operation. If you’re getting ready for a vasectomy reversal , you probably already know that the reversal is generally more complex than the original vasectomy. One way to calm your nerves is to ensure that you select a surgeon who specializes in these surgeries and who has impressive credentials.

Talk to Your Surgeon

Fear of the unknown can be particularly difficult to cope with. You may find it helpful to schedule an additional consult with your vasectomy reversal surgeon. Make sure you understand every step of the preparation, procedure, and recovery processes. Patients often find that when they fully understand the procedure and trust the expertise of the surgeon, that their surgical anxieties are lessened.

Use Relaxation Methods

Let your partner know that you’re experiencing some anxiety about the upcoming procedure and tell her if there is anything she can do to help you. You might want to go out and see a movie to distract yourself, for example. In addition to planned distractions, try listening to soothing, tranquil music. Close your eyes and take a deep breath through your nose, and then breathe out slowly through your mouth. Visualize the end goal of the vasectomy reversal, which, of course, is to become a parent. Focus on your hopes and dreams for your child, and let these visualizations soothe your worries.

Avoid Self-Medicating

It’s not unusual for people to turn to tobacco, alcohol, or even herbal supplements when they’re under significant stress. But because you’re preparing for a surgery, it’s essential to stay in good physical health. Tobacco will increase the risk of surgical complications and delay the healing process. Alcohol and some herbal supplements may also increase the risks. Always consult your physician before taking any supplements or medications before surgery.

Here at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal , Dr. Joshua Green works closely with each patient and his partner to assuage surgical anxieties, answer questions, and support a comfortable recovery. In fact, all patients of Dr. Green’s in Sarasota and beyond receive his personal cellphone number in case unexpected issues or questions arise. To reach our office, call (941) 894-6428.

When you’re recovering from your vasectomy reversal , in addition to following your surgeon’s instructions, it is important to make smart food decisions that support your recovery. As with any surgery, it is important to give your body the nutrients it needs to heal so you can get back on your feet faster. Keep these guidelines in mind for your post-surgery diet.

Choose High-Fiber Foods

After surgery, constipation is a frequent problem, thanks to the pain medication you’re likely to be taking. In addition to drinking plenty of water, eat foods with a high fiber content to reduce the risk of constipation. Whole grain breads and cereals, vegetables, and fruits are all good choices that will help you get the right amount of fiber during your recovery. Reducing your intake of foods that increase the risk of constipation, like dairy products and processed foods, can also help.

Pick Lean Proteins

Protein is an important part of recovering from surgery, since it is a building block for tissue repair. Lean protein sources will give you the nutrients you need without the saturated fats that can contribute to constipation. Chicken, fish, turkey and pork are all good choices. If you don’t eat meat, nuts, tofu, and beans will give you the nutrients you need. If your appetite is weak after surgery, consider adding protein powder to smoothies, which may be more appealing than a large meal.

Fill Up on Whole Grains

Whole grains contain nutrients that will give you energy during your surgery recovery, as well as fiber that will reduce constipation. Pick whole grain bread, wheat pasta, and brown rice instead of the white, processed varieties of these foods as you recuperate from your vasectomy reversal.

Dr. Green and his team at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Sarasota are available to answer all of your questions about preparing for your surgery and recovering from your vasectomy reversal procedure . Schedule a consultation today by calling (941) 894-6428.

When you undergo vasectomy reversal surgery, it’s normal to be eager to know if the reversal was successful, particularly if you are trying to start a family. There is a high rate of success for vasectomy reversal in most cases, but there often is a delay between the procedure and when sperm can again be detected in semen.

About three months after surgery, your doctor may recommend that you undergo a semen test to see if sperm are present. If the semen does not contain sperm, your vasectomy surgeon may recommend repeating the test monthly to until sperm is detected. Generally, vasectomy reversals are considered to have failed if sperm cannot be found in semen 18 months after the surgery.

Since each case is unique, Dr. Joshua Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal will review your individual circumstance in full and help you understand what to expect. Make an appointment today to learn more about infertility procedures in Sarasota , including vasectomy reversal, by calling (941) 894-6428.

If you are considering a vasectomy reversal, one of the first steps is to have a consultation with a surgeon. A vasectomy reversal surgeon can help you decide if you are a good candidate for the procedure and what to expect from the process. If you have a consultation scheduled with a vasectomy reversal surgeon, here is a look at what may happen during your appointment.

Review of Your Medical History

Your vasectomy surgeon will review your medical history to ensure that surgery is safe for you and that it is has a reasonable likelihood of being successful in your case. Although success rates for vasectomy reversals are high, many different factors influence the chances of success in individual cases. Your surgeon will review your medical history to form a more accurate predication of what to expect in your case.

Discussion of Your Treatment Goals

It is helpful for your surgeon to understand why you are choosing to undergo vasectomy reversal surgery. For instance, if you and your partner are undergoing IVF, your vasectomy surgeon can work with the IVF clinic to provide sperm using the MESA process. By knowing the goals you’re trying to achieve, your surgeon can tailor your procedure to your needs.

Explanation of the Procedure and Recovery

Your vasectomy surgeon will spend part of your consultation explaining how the reversal is performed and what you can expect during the recovery period. Generally, the vasectomy reversal process takes about two to three hours in an outpatient surgery center. Most patients can return home about an hour after surgery. Post-procedure discomfort lasts for a few days, which can be managed with ice packs and pain medications. The day after the procedure, patients return to their surgeons to have the drains removed.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, Dr. Green is available to answer all of your questions as you decide if vasectomy reversal surgery in Sarasota is right for you. Schedule a consultation today by calling (941) 894-6428.

Vasectomy reversals are minimally invasive procedures, but they are still surgeries nonetheless. It’s important to become a fully informed patient before moving forward with your vasectomy reversal. You and your partner should both be on the same page about having children and the lengths to which you’ll go to achieve a family.

Have an Open Mindset

If you haven’t yet mentioned the idea of a vasectomy reversal to your partner, it’s important to begin the conversation with an open mindset. The two of you should openly share your hopes for the future and whether having a child fits into that future. Your partner may not necessarily be as enthusiastic as you about having kids. Give your partner all the time that is needed to carefully think through the matter.

Think About Logistics

Making the decision to try to have a child is definitely an emotional one, but you can also approach the issue from a logical standpoint. Could a vasectomy reversal potentially fix all of the problems associated with infertility or might there be female infertility issues involved? Perhaps the two of you aren’t quite ready to have kids yet, but you both know that you do want a family someday. Vasectomy reversals are more likely to be successful the sooner they are performed after the original surgery. Even if you aren’t quite ready to have kids just yet, you might consider getting a vasectomy reversal soon to allow for the possibility of a pregnancy later on.

Understand the Procedure

Bring your partner with you to the appointment with the vasectomy reversal surgeon. It’s best that both of you understand exactly what will happen during the surgery and how the recovery period will proceed. The surgeon can discuss any concerns you may still have.

When you and your partner are ready to add to your family, Dr. Joshua Green is here to help. Dr. Green is a vasectomy reversal surgeon in Sarasota who has made it his life’s work to give hope to future parents. You can reach the Center for Vasectomy Reversal at (941) 894-6428.