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

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

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

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

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

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

    If you’re considering a vasectomy reversal in Tampa or Orlando, Center for Vasectomy Reversal is here to help. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our caring and skilled team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need reversal of their vasectomy or have other concerns about their fertility. Whether you’re ready to schedule a procedure or just have questions and want to learn more, you can contact us through our website, or call 941-894-6428 to arrange a free consultation.  

     

  • Facts Women Want to Know About Vasectomy Reversals

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

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

    If you’re considering a vasectomy reversal in Tampa or Orlando, the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is here to help. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our caring and skilled team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need reversal of their vasectomy or have other concerns about their fertility. Whether you’re ready to schedule a procedure or just have questions and want to learn more, you can contact us through our website, or call 941-894-6428 to arrange a free consultation.  

  • Father’s Day Guide for the New Father

    Is your husband a new father? What an exciting time in a man’s life! Being a firsttime parent is a wonderful experience, and the first Father’s Day is major milestone. If you’re looking for a way to truly celebrate the new dad, we have some suggestions.  

    • Plan a fun date night. What does he really like to do? Whether he’s a movie buff, a golfer, or someone who likes sports, you can easily find a way to create a date that incorporates some of his favorite activities and foods. It might be fun to recreate your first date or to do something you’ve never done before, like an escape room or laser tag.  
    • Dress him like his mini-me. Whether he’s a sports nut or a music buff, it can be fun to choose matching outfits reflecting his interests for Dad and the baby.  
    • Get him a book he can read to his child. Children benefit when parents read to them, and reading to a baby can be a fun task for a new father. Choose a book that you loved as a child, or a book about dads and kids, to give even more meaning to this special time together.  
    • Create a memorable keepsake. If you have a little one already, it’s easy to find creative ways to make a father’s day gift from the child. Little kids’ handprints and footprints can be used artistically to make a gift he’ll treasureand children a little bit older can answer questions to create a funny interview all about dad. Baby isn’t born yet? There are prints that can translate your baby’s heartbeat and the sound of your voice into sound waves, which can be made into interesting artwork, especially appealing if the new dad is into science.  
    • Celebrate the person he is outside of fatherhood. Spoil him a little bit, with an Apple watch, a GoPro, or some other gift he’s been wanting but hasn’t allowed himself to get. A new camera might be a good idea, especially now that he’s got a little one to photograph.  
    • Choose a gift that will make him laugh. A funny onesie for the baby or t-shirt for the dad can be a good gift for a dad with a sense of humor. You might also look for a humorous book, perhaps a book about fatherhood or a collection of dad jokes, to give him a chuckle.  
    • Plan a treat that makes him feel like royalty. Let him sleep in and then bring him breakfast in bed. Cook his favorite meal. Do something just for him, to show him that you think he’s special. 
    • Use photos to make a meaningful gift. Frame a photo, create a custom photo book, or make a slideshow or movie that shows the highlights of your pregnancy or adoption journey. If your child has already arrived, you could do the same thing with milestones your baby has already hit.  

    At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we’re committed to helping men pursue their dreams of fatherhood, even after a vasectomy. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our caring and skilled team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men, in Tampa and Orlando, who need reversal of their vasectomy or have other concerns about their fertility. Whether you’re ready to schedule a procedure or just have questions and want to learn more, you can contact us through our website, or call 941-894-6428 to arrange a free consultation.  

  • Comparing V-V and V-E Procedures

    If you are having a vasectomy reversal, there are two approaches your surgeon will recommend: V-V or V-E. The one that is right for you depends on the scarring left behind after your vasectomy and whether the fluid from the testicular side of the vas deferens has a pasty consistency. Here is a closer look at how these procedures compare.  

    V-V is short for vaso-vasectomy. This is the most common form of vasectomy reversal surgery and involves reconnecting the ends of the vas deferens, which was cut during the original vasectomy procedure. This procedure can be performed as long as there is sperm present in the fluid from the testicular side of the vas deferens and the fluid looks clear and flows freely. If there is no sperm present or the fluid is thick and pasty, then a vasoepididymostomy, or V-E procedure, will be performed. During a V-E surgery, the vas deferens is attached to the epididymis.  

    Dr. Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal will help you understand each procedure and explain which one is most likely to work for you. To schedule an appointment for a vasectomy reversal in Sarasota, call (941) 894-6428. 

  • Supporting Your Partner During Labor

    After a successful vasectomy reversal, one of the final steps in growing your family is supporting your partner during labor and delivery. This process is extremely intense for women, and the best way to be supportive is not always clear. This video explains more.  

    When your partner is in labor, it helps to hear your voice, so in addition to offering back rubs and supportive touch, offer reassurance so that she knows she is not alone. It’s important to not ask any questions during a contraction, which can be intensely painful and require concentration on breathing rather than conversation.  

    At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we make these moments possible with effective vasectomy reversal surgeries in Sarasota. To make an appointment with our vasectomy reversal surgeon, call (941) 894-6428.

  • Here Are the Facts About Getting Pregnant After a Vasectomy Reversal

    The reason that couples consider vasectomy reversals is so that future pregnancy is possible. However, the process is not always as simple as having a reversal and then conceiving right away. If you are considering having a vasectomy reversal so you can grow your family, here is a look at the facts that you need to know.  

    It can take several months for fertility to be restored after a reversal.  

    A vasectomy reversal does not instantly restore fertility for men. It can take several months for sperm to appear in the ejaculate after a procedure. Generally, if a vasectomy reversal is successful, the sperm will be in the ejaculate about three to six months later, though the timeline can be both faster and slower—and in some cases, fertility will not be restored at all. The vasectomy reversal surgeon will not know if there are any blockages or excessive scar tissue that could impact the success of the procedure until he or she begins the procedure.  

    Some couples should consider sperm aspiration with IVF instead of a reversal.  

    If it has been a long time since the original vasectomy, or if both partners have fertility challenges, a vasectomy reversal may not be the best fit. Instead, these couples could benefit by having sperm aspirated during a procedure called MESA to be used in in vitro fertilization, or IVF. This removes the waiting period to see if a vasectomy reversal is successful and helps to bypass fertility challenges to both partners.  

    Healthy lifestyle choices can help when you’re trying to conceive.  

    After a vasectomy reversal, both partners can increase the chance of conceiving by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Quitting smoking, cutting back on alcohol, and eating a healthy diet can help, as can regular exercise.  

    The Center for Vasectomy Reversal has helped countless couples realize their dreams of growing their families after a vasectomy. To learn more about Dr. Green and vasectomy reversal in Sarasota, Orlando, and Tampa, call (941) 894-6428. 

  • Answers to Your Top Questions About Vasectomy Reversals

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

    What happens during a vasectomy reversal? 

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

    Are vasectomy reversals successful? 

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

    How long is the recovery? 

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

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

  • When to Call Your Doctor About Post-Operative Swelling

    Swelling is among the most common side effects for patients who have undergone any type of surgery, including vasectomy reversals. If you ever have any questions or concerns following an operation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the doctor. You should also carefully review your discharge information and follow the instructions listed there. 

    What to Expect 

    You should expect to experience some scrotal swelling after your surgery. The area will also look bruised and be uncomfortable. It shouldn’t be painful as long as you’re taking your medications as prescribed. The degree of swelling can vary from one patient to the next. Some might notice a great deal of swelling, while others only have a little. 

    How Long It Will Last 

    The swelling and other post-operative side effects will be most noticeable during the first week. By the end of that week, you should notice a gradual decline in the amount of swelling. Some minor swelling may linger for an additional one to two weeks. By the end of the third week, the swelling should have been resolved. 

    When to Worry 

    Generally, swelling is not a red flag unless it’s excessive or it’s accompanied by severe, worsening pain. However, you can always call the doctor if you’re unsure of whether your swelling is a sign of a complication. It’s uncommon, but possible, for men to experience a hematoma after a vasectomy reversal. A hematoma is a collection of pooling blood that occurs when a blood vessel ruptures. You should seek a doctor’s care if you suspect you might have a hematoma. You should also call your doctor if your pain is not wellmanaged. 

    What to Do 

    Following your discharge instructions will help you manage the post-operative swelling and other side effects. Keep an ice pack on the scrotal area for 20 minutes at a time. Get plenty of rest, especially during the first day or two. Avoid vigorous physical activity for two weeks. And don’t forget to wear your scrotal support! 

    The Center for Vasectomy Reversal provides extensive pre-operative and post-operative support for our patients. Dr. Joshua Green is always responsive to his patients, and each patient receives his personal cell phone number. If you have questions about your vasectomy reversal in Sarasota, give us a call at (941) 894-6428. 

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

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

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

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

  • What to Expect in Your First Few Days with a New Baby 

    If your little miracle is the result of a vasectomy reversal, then there’s a good chance you’ve been planning and preparing for your newborn for quite a few months. By now, you should already have plenty of supplies on hand, from diapers and rash cream to baby monitors and thermometers. If you do find yourself short on a few items, consider asking family or friends to make a run to the supermarket for you. You’ll want to spend your time getting to know your new baby. 

    When you watch this video, you’ll hear about how important it is for fathers to share in the baby care responsibilities. You should also have reasonable expectations for bringing your new baby home. For example, you shouldn’t expect to sleep through the night for a while. Instead, focus on bonding with your baby. 

    Here at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we’re proud of all of the little miracles we’ve helped to make possible. If you’ve been struggling with vasectomy-induced male infertility, call Dr. Joshua Green at (941) 894-6428 and request an appointment at our vasectomy reversal clinic in Sarasota.