Did you and your partner just find out you’re expecting? Congratulations! Whether you choose to tell family and friends right away or wait a few weeks, consider breaking the news with one of these cute pregnancy announcement ideas.

In-Person Pregnancy Announcement Ideas

1. Something’s cooking: Host a dinner party and invite close friends and family you want to tell about the pregnancy before anyone else. Then, casually announce, “Something else is cooking in the oven.” Try not to smile too big as you wait and see how long it takes someone to figure out what you mean.
2. Cake lettering: Bake a cake or have one delivered from a local bakery with the words, “We’re having a baby!” written in icing. Then, celebrate with your loved ones while you enjoy the dessert.
3. Puzzle: Have a 25-piece puzzle personalized with the words, “We’re expecting!” or something similar. Bring it to a sibling’s home to work on with your niece or nephew. Once the puzzle is finished, it won’t take long for everyone to piece it together!

Photo/Social Media Pregnancy Announcement Ideas

4. Baby shoes: Do some early baby clothes shopping, and pick out an adorable pair of shoes. Then, take a photo of them lined up with you and your partners’ shoes to make the announcement.
5. Elegant sign: Write on a small chalkboard, arrange letters on a letter board, or frame a typed-up announcement. Then, have your photo taken as you and your partner pose while holding the sign.
6. Beach announcement: Write a message about expecting a baby in the sand and take a picture to send to family and friends.
7. Bump ahead: Take a photo of your pregnant partner posing by a street sign to playfully announce her impending baby bump.
8. Ice, ice, baby: Have your picture taken while holding two bags of ice as your partner points to her stomach. Looking at the photo, people should understand that you’re referencing the words to a Vanilla Ice song.
9. Sports announcement: If you and your partner are sports fans, have personalized jerseys made for both of you and your upcoming arrival. Then, pose for a photo holding the tiny jersey with the caption, “Adding a third player to the team on [your due date].”
10. Involving your fur baby: If your dog or cat is more than just a pet, plan a photo shoot for the animal to announce your pregnancy. Have them sit by a sign that reads, “Baby guard duty starts on [your due date],” or put them in a shirt that says, “Big brother” or “Big sister” while sitting next to an ultrasound picture.

Did you have a vasectomy in your younger years, but now you’ve decided you want to be a dad after all? If so, reach out to Dr. Joshua Green of the Center for Vasectomy Reversal. We are leaders in helping men become fathers through safe, effective vasectomy reversal. To learn more about your surgical options, please contact our clinic in Sarasota, FL, by calling 941-894-6428.

What is Semen Aspiration?

Semen aspiration, also referred to as sperm retrieval, is a medical procedure used to collect sperm from the male reproductive tract body for use in fertility treatments. The sperm retrieved are used to fertilize the eggs of the female partner through in vitro fertilization (IVF). There are many different techniques that can be used for sperm retrieval, and the best method will depend on the individual’s situation.

There are several reasons why this procedure may be necessary, including sperm transport disorders, blockages in the reproductive tract, or a lack of sperm production. Read on to learn more about semen aspiration, why it’s done, and what to expect during the procedure.

What to Expect During Semen Aspiration Treatment

There are a few different methods of semen aspiration treatment. The sperm may be retrieved from the testicles, epididymis, or vas deferens. In some cases, the sperm may be obtained from the ejaculate.

Semen aspiration is typically performed under sedation or anesthesia. A needle is used to retrieve the sperm, which are then collected in a sterile container. The procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes.

In most cases, semen aspiration is successful in retrieving sperm for use in IVF. Semen aspiration is considered a low-risk fertility treatment and has a high success rate.

What Are the Risks of Semen Aspiration?

Although semen aspiration is generally safe and effective, there are some risks associated with the procedure.

First and foremost, there is a small risk of infection. The uterus is a sterile environment and introducing bacteria from the outside can lead to an infection. There is also a slight risk of puncturing the uterus, which can cause internal bleeding. In very rare cases, this can lead to serious health complications.

There is a very small risk that the needle used to aspirate the semen will damage the embryo. However, this is typically only a concern when aspiration is performed before implantation has occurred.

Overall, while there are some risks associated with semen aspiration, they are generally very rare and can be effectively mitigated with proper medical care. As such, semen aspiration remains a safe and effective way to collect genetic material. Risk can be minimized by working with an experienced medical professional.

Why is Sperm Retrieval Needed?

The most common reason for needing sperm retrieval is due to a blockage in the man’s reproductive tract. This blockage can occur at any point along the way, from the testicles to the opening of the penis. A blockage can be caused by an injury, surgery, or a birth defect.

In some cases, a man may have no sperm in his ejaculate at all. This is called azoospermia and can be caused by several factors, including infection, cancer, and other conditions.

Why Choose Us?

The Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Florida is one of the world’s leading fertility centers, offering a wide range of fertility treatments to help couples conceive. Sperm retrieval is used for men who have had a vasectomy or for those who have a condition that prevents them from producing sperm.

At CVR, our experienced team offers a variety of sperm retrieval techniques, including microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA), percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA), and testicular sperm extraction (TESE). We also offer intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which can be used in conjunction with any of these techniques. Our goal is to help you conceive the healthy baby you’ve always wanted. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation!

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!

Baby Safety Month

Baby Safety Month is an annual campaign that raises awareness about the importance of child safety. The campaign runs throughout the month of September and offers parents and caregivers tips and resources on how to keep their children safe.

Some of the topics that are covered during Baby Safety Month include: car safety, home safety, water safety, and general safety tips.

The History of Baby Safety Month

The history of Baby Safety Month actually dates back to the early 20th century. In 1913, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) held its first meeting in New York City. At this meeting, the AAP decided to create a committee on infant care. This committee was tasked with creating guidelines for the care of infants and young children.

One of the first topics that the AAP addressed was infant mortality. In 1916, the AAP released a report that showed that over 6,000 infants died each year from crib death. This was a shocking number and the AAP realized that something needed to be done to prevent these deaths.

To raise awareness about infant safety, the AAP decided to designate September as Baby Safety Month. During this month, the AAP would release information and tips on how to keep babies safe. The goal was to educate parents and caregivers about the dangers that infants faced and how to prevent them.

Over the years, Baby Safety Month has continued to grow. Today, it is celebrated in countries all over the world. In the United States, many organizations participate in Baby Safety Month by sharing information and resources with parents and caregivers. These organizations include the AAP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and many others.

During Baby Safety Month, take time to think about how to keep your little one safe. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Always Use a Safe Sleep Surface for Your Baby

This means using a firm mattress in a crib or bassinet that meets current safety standards. Don’t use a pillow, quilt, or soft mattress, as these can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Use a Proper Car Safety Seat

Car safety seats are chosen based on your baby’s age, weight, and height. Make sure the seat is installed correctly and that your baby is buckled in properly.

Keep Dangerous Items Out of Reach of Your Baby

This includes items like medicines, cleaning products, and small objects that your baby could choke on.

Supervise Your Baby at All Times

Even if you’re just stepping away for a moment, never leave your baby unsupervised.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Learn CPR and First Aid and keep the phone number of your local poison control center handy.

Following these tips will help you keep your baby safe during Baby Safety Month and all year long. For more information on child safety, visit the website of the National Child Safety Council.

As a parent, you play a vital role in keeping your child safe. Take this opportunity to learn more about how you can protect your little one from harm. And don’t forget to share what you’ve learned with other parents and caregivers! Together, we can help keep all kids safe.

Get more tips and information by visiting our blog! The Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Florida is happy to answer any questions you have and help you make the best decision for your fertility. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Healthy Baby Food to Make at Home

There are many healthy baby food recipes that you can make at home, and they don’t have to be boring or bland. You can make nutrient-rich, flavorful, and fun foods for your little one to enjoy. Read on to learn more about the benefits of homemade baby food and to get some tips on how to get started.

The Benefits of Homemade Baby Food

The benefits of making your own baby food at home have prompted many parents to do so. Homemade baby food is:

• More Nutritious: When you make your own baby food, you have complete control over what goes into it. This means that you can choose to use fresh, organic ingredients that are high in nutrients. Commercial baby foods often contain preservatives and other additives that can be harmful to your child’s health.

• More Affordable: Making your own baby food is typically more affordable than purchasing commercial varieties. This is especially true if you purchase ingredients in bulk or grow your own fruits and vegetables.

• Tailored Flavor and Texture: You can tailor the flavor and texture of homemade baby food to better suit your child’s preferences. For example, if your baby is still getting used to solid foods, you can make a puree that is easy to eat and digest. As your child gets older, you can start to add in more textured foods such as chunks of fruit or vegetables.

• Quality bonding time: One of the best parts about making your own baby food is the quality bonding time it provides. During mealtimes, you can sit down with your little one and chat while they enjoy their food. This is a great way to create lasting memories together.

Ensure that your baby is getting the nutrients they need by making your own baby food. That way, you can control what goes into it and how it is prepared. Plus, homemade baby food often tastes better than store-bought varieties.

Ideas to Get You Started

If you’re interested in trying your hand at making homemade baby food, there are a few things you’ll need to get started. First, invest in a good quality blender or food processor. You’ll also need some basic kitchen supplies like measuring cups and spoons, as well as storage containers for freezing any leftover baby food. Finally, it’s helpful to have a recipe book on hand for ideas and inspiration. With these tools in hand, you’re ready to start whipping up healthy, delicious meals for your little one!

Healthy Baby Food Recipes

When it comes to healthy baby food recipes, there are endless possibilities. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Pureed fruits and vegetables: These are great for starting solids or for older babies who are ready for more textured foods. Try pureeing carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, apples, bananas, and other fruits and veggies. You can also mix and match different flavors to create new taste combinations.

• Fruit and veggie pouches: These are convenient and easy to take on the go. Simply fill reusable pouches with your baby’s favorite pureed fruits or vegetables.

• Homemade baby cereals: Start with a simple rice cereal and then add in pureed fruits or vegetables for additional nutrition and flavor. Oats and barley are other great options for homemade baby cereals.

• Finger foods: As your baby starts to develop their pincer grasp, they will be ready for finger foods. Offer them soft fruits and vegetables that they can easily pick up and eat, such as ripe bananas, cooked sweet potatoes, and steamed broccoli florets.

• Healthy snacks: There are plenty of healthy snack options for babies and toddlers. Try making your own fruit bars or energy bites using pureed fruits, oats, nuts, and seeds. You can also offer air-popped popcorn, whole grain crackers, and yogurt dips.

Making your own baby food is a great way to ensure that your little one is getting the nutrients they need. And it’s also a fun way to get creative in the kitchen! Try out some of these healthy baby food recipes and see what your little one enjoys the most.

Visit our blog to stay up-to-date with information and tips for healthy parenting and more! The Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Florida is helping families across the country reach their fertility goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

How To Teach Your Kids To Compromise

The art of compromise is essential in business, politics, and marriage. It’s also a crucial life skill for your child. The ability to be flexible, to take into account the wants and needs of others, and to solve problems creatively makes our children better friends, siblings, teammates and students. Of course, we’re not born with those skills. They must be learned.

MommyBase.com offers many tips for teaching children compromise skills:

• Discuss a Variety of Issues with Your Kids. “Many children’s books, movies and tv shows, including cartoons, include some sort of conflict. This gives you a perfect opportunity to ask your child for his or her thoughts about which character was right or how a conflict might be resolved so that both characters are happy. If that is too much for your child, you can discuss the ending, explaining more thoroughly how the characters acted to make a compromise.”
• Address the Issue of Control. “Many times, children do not like to compromise because it means they are not in control.” They suggest working through this problem with simple methods:
  • Offer easy choices like “Would you like to wear this outfit or this dress?” or “Would you like pizza or pasta for dinner tonight?”
  • Explain how you and your spouse compromise.
  • Observe how your children interact and suggest ways for them to figure out compromises on their own. If they fight over a toy, stop them and pose questions that help them reflect: “Why do you want this toy? Why does your friend want it? Is there a way you can each get at least some of what you want?” Praise them when they compromise.

Family Times has additional advice:

1) Create situations of positive interdependence – Competitive play is fine, but teamwork is more important.

2) Teach “Win-Win” – Seek solutions where all parties are successful.

3) Agree to Disagree – Sometimes a solution where everyone is satisfied is not possible. If your child knows it’s okay to not always agree with someone, they’ll be more able to find alternative solutions that avoid conflict.

4) Debate Skills – In debates, one must understand multiple sides of an issue and respond to arguments in a logical, non-emotional way. This requires self-control and can help children learn to resolve disputes peacefully.

5) Discuss Empathy and Compassion – When children understand how to view a situation from the other party’s emotional perspective, compromise is more likely.

6) Don’t Compromise Values or Safety – Let your children know when a compromise might not be the right decision.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people start families with healthy pregnancies. 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 941-210-6649.

Why It’s Important For Parents To Get Enough Sleep

Most parents have heard that it’s vital for them to get a good night’s sleep, but when we don’t know the details of why something is so important, it’s easy for us to shrug off this advice. Here are some useful facts that underscore why maintaining a healthy sleep schedule is a crucial habit for parents.

Problems Caused by Lack of Sleep

SleepFoundation.org lists the following complications of sleep loss:

• Irritability: With insufficient sleep, people are more irritable, anxious, and likely to lash out at children, spouses, friends and co-workers.
• Anxiety and Depression: Without proper sleep, people have higher risks for negative moods, anxiety and depression. If you experience these symptoms, reach out to your health care provider.
• Accidents and Injuries: Sleep-deprived people tend to have longer reaction times, which increases the risk of accidents such as motor vehicle crashes. Avoid driving or operating other machinery when you are sleep-deprived.

All these complications affect our ability to parent our children.

Can I Catch Up On Sleep Over the Weekend?

Many parents think they can catch up on sleep during the weekend, but a 2019 study indicates this is a bad practice. It found that weekday sleep loss had negative effects on metabolism, and extra sleep on the weekend didn’t help fix it. The sleep-deprived people in the study lost some sensitivity to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. They ate more at night and gained weight. This decreased insulin sensitivity is a common precursor to type 2 diabetes. A number of studies have linked long-term sleep deprivation to high risks of diabetes and obesity. According to sleep specialist Dr. Phyllis Zee, who is also a professor at Northwestern University School of Medicine, other results of chronic sleep loss — including impaired alertness and mental performance — cannot be compensated for with a couple of nights of extra sleep. “Regularity in both timing and duration of sleep is key to brain and body health.”

Good Habits

This article from Harvard Business Review reinforces the negative effects that sleep deprivation has on parents but also gives advice on fixing this problem:

• Prioritize sleep.
• Maintain a consistent sleep routine.
• Limit exposure to blue light at night.
• Keep devices out of your bedroom.
• Don’t bring up serious topics before bedtime.
• Buy time if you can by having meals or groceries delivered.

SleepFoundation.org has other tips:

• Nap when baby naps.
• Be comfortable declining requests to come see the baby when you don’t have time.
• A good sleep environment is cool, quiet and dark.
• Ask for help when you need it.
• Start sleep-training baby at six months.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people start families with healthy pregnancies. 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 941-210-6649.

Fun Facts About Semen

Here’s a well-known fact that we rarely mention: None of us would exist without semen. Why stop there? Let’s learn more about this fluid vital for human life.

Semen vs Sperm

People use these terms interchangeably, but they mean different things. Stated simply, semen is the bodily fluid that contains sperm.

What Else Is In Semen?

In addition to sperm, semen also contains other ingredients. According to WebMD, “the fluid is made mostly of water, plasma, and mucus (a lubricating substance). It also contains 5 to 25 calories, and is made up of small amounts of essential nutrients including: calcium, citrate, fructose, glucose, lactic acid, magnesium, potassium, protein and zinc.” These ingredients serve an important purpose. Sperm “need nutrients because they must travel a great distance and withstand the harsh environment of the vagina. The nutrients found in semen will keep the sperm alive and provide energy while they race to the egg. Their main energy source is fructose, a type of sugar.”

Sperm Count / Density

When men ejaculate they release an average of 2-6 milliliters (mL) of semen, or approximately a 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon. Each milliliter contains an average of 15 million sperm. Sperm count can be affected by lifestyle, environment and age, though healthy men over age 70 still have the potential to have children.

Sperm Motility

Sperm motility is “the percentage of sperm in a sample that are moving, as well as an assessment of how they move,” according to WebMD. “One hour after ejaculation, at least 32% of sperm should be moving forward in a straight line.” And according to Sarah Vij, MD, director of the Center for Male Fertility at Cleveland Clinic, “The optimal timing between ejaculations in a man trying to cause a pregnancy is 24-48 hours to allow for a release of a high number of motile sperm.”

Sperm Life

According to a post from Patricio C. Gargollo, M.D. of Mayo Clinic, “The life span of sperm after ejaculation depends on the circumstances. Ejaculated sperm remain viable for several days within the female reproductive tract. Fertilization is possible as long as the sperm remain alive — up to five days. Sperm can also be preserved for decades when semen is frozen.” One thing keeping sperm alive inside the cervix is cervical mucus.

Healthy Sperm

WebMD gives the following advice for healthy sperm:

• Don’t smoke or use illegal drugs, especially anabolic steroids.
• Avoid toxins such as pesticides and heavy metals.
• Limit alcohol intake.
• Maintain a healthy diet and weight.
• Keep your scrotum cool, because heat slows sperm production. Avoid hot baths and tight pants. Wear boxers instead of briefs.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we are committed to helping men overcome reproductive issues and start healthy families. 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 941-210-6649.

What Causes Premature Birth?

According to the CDC, about ten percent of babies were born prematurely in 2020. Let’s look at the causes of this phenomenon, and how to prevent premature births.

What Qualifies as Premature Birth?

According to Mayo Clinic, “A premature birth is a birth that takes place more than three weeks before the baby’s estimated due date. In other words, a premature birth is one that occurs before the start of the 37th week of pregnancy.” They also define more particular preterm stages:

• Late preterm stage – babies born between 34 and 36 completed weeks of pregnancy
• Moderately preterm – babies born between 32 and 34 weeks of pregnancy
• Very preterm stage – babies born at less than 32 weeks of pregnancy
• Extremely preterm stage -babies born at or before 25 weeks of pregnancy

Complications of Premature Births

Cleveland Clinic describes many health problems that can afflict preemies, including:

• Apnea of prematurity, or temporary pauses in breathing during sleep.
• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia, or underdeveloped lungs.
• Intraventricular hemorrhage, or bleeding in the brain.
• Necrotizing enterocolitis, or inflammation of the intestines.
• Neonatal sepsis, or blood infection.
• Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), or abnormal blood flow in the heart.
• Retinopathy of prematurity, or underdeveloped blood vessels in the eye.

They note that preemies are also at a higher risk of developmental challenges later in life, including cerebral palsy, hearing and vision problems, learning disabilities, and poor growth. Mothers of preemies are at elevated risk of anxiety, postpartum depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and problems bonding with their baby.

Who Is At Risk?

Johns Hopkins Medicine lists the following risk factors for premature births:

1. Having previously given birth prematurely.
2. Pregnancies with multiples (twins, triplets, et cetera).
3. Any history of uterus or cervix problems.

Additional risk factors listed by Johns Hopkins include: smoking, infections, and not getting prenatal care. They advise pregnant women to “learn about all the risk factors and talk to your obstetrics provider about what you can do to help reduce your risk for preterm labor.”

Prevention Tactics

The CDC lists several ways to help prevent premature births:

• Assuring access to health care before and between pregnancies.
• Identifying women at risk for preterm delivery and offering effective treatments to prevent preterm birth.
• Preventing unintended pregnancies.
• Waiting 18 months or more between pregnancies.
• Choosing single embryo transfer as appropriate when undergoing in-vitro fertilization because pregnancies with multiples has higher risk of preterm delivery.

Additionally, Cleveland Clinic recommends a surgical procedure called cervical cerclage, which uses a single stitch to keep the cervix closed until delivery.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people start families with healthy pregnancies. 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 941-210-6649.

Why it’s Important for Men to Talk About Mental Health

Mental health issues have become a common topic of discussion since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. What’s not always part of the discussion, though, is the risk mental health issues pose to men. Men are often reluctant to discuss depression and other mental health issues, yet research indicates that men are up to four times more likely than women to die from suicide. In fact, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, men make up about 70 percent of suicide deaths annually. What can be done to stem this tide? The first step is more open communication.

While over 6 million men in the United States experience symptoms of depression each year, and more than 3 million suffer from anxiety, men are less likely than women to seek mental health support. The reason for this has to do with cultural stigmas. Outdated ideas about gender and mental health can discourage men from seeking treatment, and men are more likely than women to buy into some of these detrimental and destructive points of view. Ideas about men with depression being dangerous or unreliable are among these viewpoints, as is the perception that men should be able to “snap out of” depression and “man up.” It’s no wonder that men who have heard and internalized these thoughts would be reluctant or embarrassed to seek formal treatment for depression.

Men are also less likely to talk to their peers about issues that are troubling them. While a man may be feeling financial pressure and the stress of supporting a family and balancing home and work life, he’s unlikely to talk about these stressors. This can lead to symptoms of depression that include bad moods, apathy, inability to sleep or sleeping too much, or feelings of anxiousness, restlessness, or racing thoughts. While women often seem sad or down when they’re depressed, men are more likely to display anger or aggression, or self-medicate through substance abuse. It’s important to notice these signs in the men in your life, so that you can encourage them to talk about what’s going on.

Talking about mental health is important and beneficial. Opening up about stressors can bring a sense of relief and make a person feel less isolated. What’s more, the more people talk about their mental health, the more the topic is normalized, allowing other people to feel they can talk about it too. Talking about mental health can bring out compassion and understanding, not just for others but also for yourself. It also can make a person feel more in control of the situation, once it’s finally out in the open. By beginning to talk, first to close friends and loved ones, then to a health professional, a person can find strategies for coping with mental health issues like depression and anxiety, leading to a healthier life.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we care about all aspects of men’s health. 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.