How Infertility Impacts a Relationship

If you and your partner are struggling with infertility, you probably already know that it can put a strain on your relationship. Battling infertility is expensive, stressful, and exhausting, and creates challenges for couples that few other experiences can. The key to making it through infertility with a strong relationship is to acknowledge the feelings you’re wrestling with and work through them together. While every couple’s experience is different, there are a few commonalities you might want to consider when navigating your own relationship issues.

· It’s common to feel shame about infertility. Fertility is a private issue, and couples often feel shame or embarrassment, a sense of inadequacy, or that they’re the only ones going through it. In fact, millions of couples struggle with infertility. It may be helpful to reach out to others in your situation, to reduce your feelings of isolation and help you cope with your negative feelings about infertility.

· Fertility treatments don’t always work. In vitro fertilization (IVF) has greatly improved over the years, but there are still no guarantees that you’ll successfully conceive. Many couples have to undergo multiple rounds of IVF, and miscarriages or other issues sometimes occur. It’s hard not to feel discouraged, and important to support each other during the process.

· Partners don’t always experience the same emotions while dealing with infertility. Sometimes one partner has more trouble than the other when dealing with infertility and pregnancy loss. This can put a strain on the relationship and cause arguments. It’s important to acknowledge what’s going on and be gentle with each other.

· Fertility treatments are extremely expensive. Financial concerns are already a hot button issue for many couples, so when fertility is thrown into the mix, the strain can become overwhelming. It’s important to talk about this and make sure you’re on the same page when it comes to your finances.

· Infertility may disrupt your sex life. Fertility treatments can make sex feel like a chore and put a strain on your relationship, especially when you’re also dealing with depression or negative feelings. Be patient with each other, and find ways to bring romance into your relationship.

· The most important thing is to make it through this time in your lives together. If you can weather this storm together, you’re likely to come through it with a stronger relationship. If you’re considering a vasectomy reversal, the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is here to help. 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 concerns about their fertility. We accept major credit cards as well as cash and checks and offer a payment plan 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 want to learn more, you can contact us through our website, or call 941-894-6428 to arrange a free consultation.

Why Vasectomy Isn’t Always the Right Choice

Vasectomy, or male sterilization, is an effective form of birth control. It involves cutting the tubes, called vas deferens, that release sperm into the seminal fluid, thereby preventing pregnancy. Vasectomies don’t prevent erections or ejaculations, so intercourse feels the same for both partners.

Men often decide to have a vasectomy when they know they don’t want any (or any more) children and no longer wish to rely on other forms of birth control. While the procedure is quite safe and effective, it’s not ideal for everyone. Here’s why having a vasectomy isn’t always the right choice.

It’s Not Risk-Free

The most common risk of male sterilization is the ongoing pain and discomfort of the testes or surrounding area. This condition is most often caused by the congestion of sperm in the system and may occur within a year of having a vasectomy. Treatment is usually simple, including taking anti-inflammatory medication and applying heat therapy. One to six percent of men need further treatment to relieve their pain.

Other risks of vasectomy include:

Bleeding under the skin, resulting in temporary swelling or bruising

Infection at the incision site or inside the scrotum

A lump forming near the treatment site (surgery may be needed to remove the lump)

Vas deferens growing back together and enabling the man to have children again

It Doesn’t Protect Against STDs

Most forms of contraception don’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases. This includes birth control pills, IUDs, tubal ligations (female sterilization), and vasectomies. To prevent contracting an STD, you should either be abstinent or use a condom, even after undergoing sterilization.

Your Partner Might Disagree

While the decision to get a vasectomy is a very personal one, it isn’t yours to make alone. A man and his partner should discuss honestly and openly about the possibility of not having any (or any more) children. If you don’t want kids, but your girlfriend or wife does, getting a vasectomy behind her back is not the right choice.

You Might Not Qualify

Male sterilization is often difficult to arrange for single or childless men under 35 years old. Federally funded procedures may not be performed on anyone who is under age 21 or unable to give legal consent. Vasectomies aren’t recommended for teenagers because the procedure is intended to be permanent. Many providers and hospitals simply deem sterilization to be too significant of a decision for a minor to make.

You Might Change Your Mind

Aside from tubal ligation, most other forms of contraception are temporary. If you and your partner decide you want to have kids after all, it’s easy to simply discontinue many birth control methods. Vasectomies, however, require surgical reversal. It can be done, but not having a vasectomy in the first place is a better choice if you’re not sure where you stand on being a parent.

If you’re ready to reverse your vasectomy, please call the Center for Vasectomy Reversal at 941.894.6428 to learn more about the procedure.

The Science Behind the ‘Father Effect’

While studies about motherhood have dominated parenting-related research in the past, scientists are now realizing just how important it is for children to have an engaged father figure in their life. Academic journals publish new findings nearly every day that illustrate the profound effect fathers can have on their children, for better or worse.  

It all begins before the baby is even born. Future fathers who attend birthing classes with their partners and involve themselves in the labor process tend to develop a stronger attachment to their child. Evidence also suggests that dads who build an early relationship with their baby are more likely to remain involved in the child’s life as the years go by. And, as numerous studies have shown, more paternal involvement means a better outcome for the kids.  

This is called the “Father Effect.” Here’s how it works. 

What it Means to be an Engaged Father 

Most parents want healthy, well-balanced children. To increase the likelihood of this, focus on being a good dad. This means: 

• Living with your kids in the family home (or remaining in contact via phone calls and letters if you’re divorced, deployed, or incarcerated) 
• Reading to your children and putting them to bed 
• Attending your children’s important events 
• Giving birthday gifts and other financial support 
• Offering compliments and praise 
• Helping with homework 
• Meeting and interacting positively with your kids’ friends 
• Offering fatherly advice 
• Spending quality, meaningful time together (not just watching TV) 

Outcomes of the Father Effect 

Consider the many ways being a supportive dad can benefit your children: 

• Higher IQ: Infants and toddlers tend to have stronger cognitive development if their fathers play an active role in their lives from birth. The highest IQs are found in children where both parents are engaged. 
• Better social skills: Kids—sons in particular—tend to be more popular in preschool and have an easier time forging healthy relationships as they mature when they grow up with their father around. 
• Less risky sexual behavior: When kids hit puberty, their dad becomes the arbiter of sexual behavior. Teenagers—daughters in particular—take fewer sexual risks if they have a strong relationship with their father. 
• Fewer emotional and behavioral problems: Engaged dads increase the likelihood that their children will stay in school and avoid behaviors that could land them in jail. 
• Well-adjusted adults: Kids grow up to have higher-paying jobs and healthier, stabler relationships when their fathers are around to help raise them. 

Are you ready to be an involved father? If you had a vasectomy in the past, you might assume the opportunity has passed. However, thanks to advanced vasectomy reversal options, it’s not too late to become a dad! Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, you can reverse your vasectomy using a state-of-the-art procedure available at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Sarasota, FL. When you’re ready to learn more, please call us at 941.894.6428 for a free consultation. 

Celebrity Infertility Spotlight: Samantha Busch

Infertility is often a taboo subject. However, when celebrities speak up about their struggles, it helps the general public understand how “normal” it is to have difficulty getting pregnant. It’s also cathartic to discuss the emotional turmoil of infertility with others who have experienced it. 

Samantha Busch—wife of NASCAR driver Kyle Busch—discusses her life on social media and as a cast member of CMT’s Racing Wives. From providing play-by-plays of Kyle’s races to discussing the couple’s infertility to documenting their heartbreaking miscarriage, no topic is off-limits. 

Samantha’s journey into motherhood started in 2012 at age 26 when she and Kyle decided to start a family. She chronicled her journey on social media, stating: 

“Trying to have a baby was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in life…You could handle one, two, three, four negative pregnancy tests. But by that ninth, 10th, 11th [one], that’s when it’s hard. It’s hard to pick up the pieces again.” 

She even opened up about the mental health struggles of treating infertility, saying: 

“We started the fertility drugs. They don’t tell you too much about the side effects of them. You turn insane. Nobody’s telling you what’s happening to yourself as a woman and what’s happening to your marriage. Nobody’s telling you that you’re going to sit on the floor and cry for hours and your husband’s going to be there to support you, but at the same time, you’re like, ‘What if I can’t give him kids?’” 

Samantha and Kyle’s son, Brexton, joined the Busch family in 2015 via in vitro fertilization (IVF). In an effort to comfort other couples facing similar challenges, Samantha shared her experience with IVF more in-depth when the couple pursued it again last year to have a second child.  

The procedure resulted in pregnancy, but Samantha disclosed the devastating news that she had had a miscarriage in November 2018: 

“Earlier this week I suffered a miscarriage. We lost our baby girl. My heart hurts more than words can describe.” 

While her original intent had been to help others “[not] feel so alone,” it was Samantha who received an outpouring of support from “so many women who had been through the exact same thing and understood the emotion that I was feeling and the pain and the confusion.” 

Though speaking up about infertility can be difficult, Samantha says being open about it has been therapeutic. More women share her experience than most people realize. Up to 15 percent of people who know they’re pregnant have a miscarriage. That’s why, through the Kyle Busch Foundation, the couple launched the Bundle of Joy Fund to help couples cover the cost of IVF, which can run thousands of dollars. Samantha continues to share her journey and provide online support to those who need it. 

Vasectomy can be a major roadblock to a couple’s fertility, but with vasectomy reversal, you can get back on the path to parenthood. To schedule a free consultation, please call the Center for Vasectomy Reversal at 941.894.6428. 

Items for Your New Dad Survival Kit

If you’re about to become a new dad, you might be nervous and excited about this upcoming life change. Help ease your transition into fatherhood by stocking your new dad survival kit with these eight items. 

• Diaper bag: Each parent should have their own diaper bag to make caring for the baby easy, no matter who takes a trip to the changing room. Masculine versions that resemble backpacks, tote bags, and messenger bags abound these days. Find leather, camo, and even sports-themed versions with all the compartments of a diaper bag without actually looking like one. 
• Baby wipes: Keep a supply in your diaper bag, of course, but don’t underestimate the many uses for baby wipes besides dabbing a messy bottom. As a new dad, you may quickly learn you can use baby wipes to clean your hands after filling the gas tank, mop up spills in the car, shine your shoes, clean remote controls, swab your keyboard, and more! Always keep a box on hand, both at home and in the car. 
• Hand sanitizer: Having a baby introduces a wide range of bodily fluids and messes into your life. While soap and water are best for washing up, hand sanitizer is useful on-the-go—especially if you run out of baby wipes. 
• Books on fatherhood: It’s normal to feel overwhelmed during the first few weeks of being a dad, but thoughtful advice from parenting books can help you get used to the new norm. 
• Headache medicine: Step one of dealing with a crying baby is to figure out what’s wrong. Once you meet his or her needs, the crying should stop. However, when a fussy baby gets the better of you, it’s okay to fight off headaches with over-the-counter pain relievers. 
• Activities for “me time”: You and your partner will likely want to spend quality time together while the baby is sleeping, but set aside some “me time” each day to help you unwind. Have some activities on hand that you can enjoy on your own, such as audiobooks, podcasts, videogames, and TV shows. 
• Earplugs: You shouldn’t always drown out the baby’s crying—after all, your partner needs help with nighttime feedings and diaper changes—but on nights when you really need some shut-eye, earplugs might be your best bet for sleeping through the night. 
• Coffee: Restless nights definitely call for morning coffee. Consider treating yourself to a new coffee maker or a fancy French press in anticipation of your baby’s arrival. 

If you’re considering reversing a vasectomy, fatherhood could be right around the corner. Discuss your options with Dr. Joshua Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Sarasota, FL. We can detail the reversal process and help you decide which surgical option may be right for you. Whether you’re ready to schedule your procedure, or you simply want to learn more, please schedule a free consultation with Dr. Green by calling us at 941.894.6428. 

What Are Your Chances of Giving Birth to Twins?

Having a baby is very exciting, so how would you feel about a two-for-one pregnancy? If you’re undergoing fertility treatment, you probably already know that twins are a possibility. However, there are many other factors that come into play when it comes to multiples. Do you know your chances of giving birth to twins?  

• Your age plays a role. Women who are over 30 are more likely to have twins because they have higher levels of follicle–stimulating hormone. This surge in FSH occurs because older women have lower fertility in general, but sometimes the follicles can overreact and release two or more eggs.  
• Twins are sometimes hereditary. If your family history includes identical twins, that doesn’t make you more likely to conceive them. However, a history of fraternal twins on the woman’s side indicates a genetic predisposition to ovulate more than one egg per cycle, and if it’s in the man’s family it indicates high sperm production, so if your family has fraternal twins, you might have them too.  
• Your height and weight are a factor. Overweight women are more likely to have twins, even though extra weight can keep some women from conceiving because more weight means more estrogen, which can overstimulate the ovaries. Taller women are prone to twins, though no one knows quite why.  
• If you have a large family, it might get larger still. Women who have carried many pregnancies are more likely to conceive twins.  
• Race makes a difference. African Americans are more likely than Caucasian women to conceive twins, and Asian women are the least likely.  
• Surprisingly, breastfeeding can contribute to a higher risk of twins. This may seem unbelievable, because breastfeeding typically suppresses fertility, preventing pregnancy, especially if the baby is under six months and exclusively breastfed. However, if you do get pregnant while breastfeeding, you’re more than ten times as likely to have twins.  

All of these factors work together, so if you have more than one, your chances of twins are higher, especially if you are also undergoing fertility treatments. In general, the rate of twins is about 3.35%, but with fertility treatment, that number jumps significantly, depending on the type of treatment. With Clomid and Femera, for instance, the rate is between 5 and 12%, while with IVF it’s 12.1% for women under 35, and decreases as women age.  

If male infertility is impairing your ability to conceive, the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is here to help. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for vasectomy reversals and other fertility issues. We accept major credit cards as well as cash and checks and 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 want to learn more, contact us through our website, or call 941-894-6428 to arrange a free consultation.  

Is It Ever Too Late to Have a Vasectomy Reversal?

If you underwent a vasectomy in the past, you probably intended for it to be permanent. If you’re in a different situation now and have changed your mind about having children, you may be concerned that it’s not possible. Is a vasectomy reversal really effective? And even if it is, will it work for you if your vasectomy was done several years ago? 

In most cases, vasectomies are reversible. A skilled surgeon can perform the necessary micro-surgery and reconnect the vas deferens, restoring sperm to the ejaculate. A vasectomy performed more than fifteen years ago may be more challenging, because there may be further blockage in addition to the vasectomy. If this is the case, the surgeon will need to perform a more involved procedure, known as vasoepididymostomy, to restore sperm flow and fertility. This surgery involves connecting the vas deferens to the epididymis, rather than just reconnecting the vas deferens itself.  Modern technology has led to great advances in these kinds of surgery, though, and even for complicated vasectomies, the success rate is high.  

In fact, recent research indicates that older vasectomies can be reversed almost as easily as younger ones. In a study of 1229 men having vasectomy reversals, grouped into more recent (1-15 years) and less recent (16-38 years) vasectomies, the rates of successful reversal were statistically very close. The success rates, measured by the rate of achieving moving ejaculated sperm counts after the surgery, were 88% in younger vasectomies and 65% in older. Further, the sperm counts obtained in these two groups of men following their reversal surgeries were the same, averaging about 55 million sperm.  

What does this all mean? First, after undergoing a vasectomy, men continue to make just as much sperm as they did before, and that continues no matter how long they have the vasectomy. Additionally, this research indicates that older vasectomies are more reversible than ever thought possible previously, which means it’s never too late to have a vasectomy reversal and make fatherhood a reality.  

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 to Stay Optimistic About Parenting in This Day and Age

Some days, just paying attention to the news can make a person reluctant to have kids. The world can seem like a terrible place, full of danger, but in fact, this is a great time to raise kids! Technology is always improving, kids have tons of opportunities, and dads are more active in their parenting roles than ever before. Do you need more reasons to be optimistic about parenting in the modern age? We’ve got some, so read on.  

• Kids are becoming ever more aware of the world around them. From an early age, today’s kids are aware of nature and their impact on the Earth. They also have more awareness of others and a greater sensitivity to those who are different and may be dealing with challenges. As technology advances, children will learn more than prior generations could imagine, and though the internet certainly has its drawbacks, it certainly puts all kinds of knowledge within easy reach.  
• Empathy is on the rise. There’s empathetic discourse in elementary school now, and kids are growing up in an environment of acceptance. Non-traditional families are more accepted, society approaches disability issues with more concern, and there’s a higher awareness of mental health issues than in the past.  
• Gender parity is growing closer. The world in which kids are growing up features much more concern about female empowerment and diverse representation, and much more understanding about the problems of outdated concepts of masculinity. The bumbling dad stereotype is on the way out, and girls and boys alike are being raised to be smart, strong, and emotionally aware.  
• People are more connected than ever. Technology is connecting us globally, breaking down language barriers and the modern focus on emotionally honest parenting is creating stronger connections within families. What’s more, it’s easy to find support, even when you live far from family, because there are tons of groups of like-minded parents.  
• Having kids is so much fun! It’s easy to share your favorite movies with your kids, and you can bond over today’s many, many superheroes. The toys are really cool, and there’s such a wealth of kids’ music and movies that you’re sure to find some you actually enjoy.  

If you’re ready to become a parent, and 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 Infertility Can Negatively Impact Your Relationship in More Ways Than One

Even the best marriage can run into trouble when facing the challenges of infertility. Feelings of resentment and disappointment can creep in, and communication can become a struggle. Infertility doesn’t necessarily mean you can never have children, but it does mean that you and your partner will have to try harder than some other people, which can be a challenge. The best way to face it, as with any obstacle in your married life, is together. Be aware of common issues, and be proactive in keeping your marriage strong.  

• Don’t let fertility become an obsession. The tedium of charting, doctor’s appointments, giving samples, having injections, and more can make it feel like infertility is your whole life, and waiting for the results can be excruciating. Don’t let it all overwhelm you, but find ways to connect with your partner that doesn’t involve family planning. Have a weekly date night, making a rule that you can’t talk about babies.  
• Recognize that life is all about making a new plan. You have to live the life you have, even if it’s not the one you expected. Learning all about infertility, seeking new ways to communicate with your partner, and making a plan to move forward can help alleviate some of your stress.  
• Keep your sex life fun. When your sex life is all about fertility apps, calendars, and basal thermometers, it becomes less than sexy. Prioritize date night, making a point to connect in ways that have nothing to do with conception.  

• Try not to take your frustrations out on each other. When you’re living with the pain of not being able to conceive, it’s easy to become angry, depressed, or resentful. It’s important to learn how to communicate honestly and calmly, learning to compromise without resorting to anger. Remember that you are in it together, avoid placing blame, and take comfort in the love and compassion you have for each other.  
• Don’t allow infertility to isolate you. Infertility can be emotionally isolating, so reach out to others sharing your experience by finding a good support group, either online or locally.  
• Be realistic and cooperative when it comes to money. Fertility treatments are expensive, so it’s important to keep emotions out of your budget and come up with a realistic plan together.  

If you’re considering a vasectomy reversal, the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is here to help. 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 concerns about their fertility. We accept major credit cards as well as cash and checks, and offer a payment plan 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 want to learn more, you can contact us through our website, or call 941-894-6428 to arrange a free consultation.  

The Risks, Results, and Success Rates of Vasectomy Reversals

If you have had a vasectomy and now regret it, you may wonder if you can have it reversed. The good news is that vasectomy reversals have come a long way, and it’s very possible to have a successful reversal. The bad news? The surgery can be far more complicated than a vasectomy.  

• How is the procedure performed? Because a vasectomy involves severing or blocking the tubes that carry sperm from your testes to your penis, a vasectomy reversal is done by rejoining them. This is done using microsurgery, either to sew the ends of these tubes (vas deferens) back together, in a procedure called vasovasostomy, or to attach the ends of tubes to the small organ at the back of the testicle that holds sperm. This is called a vasoepididymostomy, and it’s a much more difficult procedure, used only if for some reason you can’t have a vasovasostomy or your doctor believes it won’t work for you. Sometimes, it’s necessary for a doctor to perform a combination of these two procedures.  
• How major of a procedure is it? A vasectomy reversal is either performed in a hospital or a clinic, typically under general anesthesia. It takes between two to four hours, and the patient can usually go home the same day. Patients with desk jobs can usually return to work in a couple of days, while those who do physical labor or have a job that involves excessive walking or driving may need to wait a while longer.  
• What are the risks? It’s rare to experience any serious complications from a vasectomy reversal, but there are a few risks. Sometimes, bleeding within the scrotum leads to a collection of blood called a hematoma, which can be painful. Rarely, patients experience chronic pain after a vasectomy reversal or contract an infection that requires antibiotics. The best way to reduce the risks of complications is to follow your doctor’s instructions exactly.  

• How soon will you know the results of the procedure? Your doctor will collect semen samples from you for about four to six months, and examine them to check for the reappearance of sperm. For patients who undergo a vasovasostomy, it can take as long as six to twelve months for sperm to reappear, while those who have a vasoepididymostomy may have to wait more than a year.  
• What’s the success rate for vasectomy reversals? That’s another piece of good news. Up to 90 percent of vasectomy reversals are successful. Of course, the ability to conceive a child involves many factors, and pregnancy rates after vasectomy vary widely, ranging from 30 to 90 percent. Sometimes patients decide to have some sperm frozen prior to the procedure, in case it’s unsuccessful. That way, even if they are unable to conceive through intercourse, they may be able to use assistive reproductive technology to father children.  

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.