Caring for Yourself at Home After Your Vasectomy Reversal

Vasectomy reversals are generally well-tolerated procedures. In most cases, patients return home on the same day as their surgeries and recover over the course of the next few weeks. Before you leave the surgery center, you will receive detailed instructions on how to care for yourself at home and avoid complications. Here is what you need to know.  

Anesthesia Recovery 

Before your surgery, your doctor will decide what kind of anesthesia is right for you. Some patients have the procedure using local anesthesia or a spinal block along with a sedative to prevent them from moving during the surgery. Others undergo vasectomy reversals with general anesthesia. After the procedure, you may still feel some of the effects of the anesthesia when you leave the surgery center, including numbness, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. This is normal and will gradually ease. Most people feel like they have fully recovered from anesthesia after 24 hours.  

Surgical Site Care 

After the surgery, you will have two small drains in your scrotum. These will be removed the day after the surgery. You will need to wear supportive underwear or an athletic supporter continuously for about a month after your surgery, which will give you the appropriate amount of support as you heal. The incision itself should heal within about two weeks, and the stitches will be absorbed, so they do not need to be removed.  

Return to Normal Activities 

Most people are able to return to work within a week of their surgeries, but it is recommended that you refrain from heavy lifting or sexual intercourse for about four weeks after your procedure. Most men say that the recovery process from their vasectomy reversals is similar to the recovery from their original vasectomy procedures.  

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, our team will support you both before and after your surgery, so you have the healthiest, most comfortable recovery possible. Are you considering a vasectomy reversal? Call Dr. Green in Sarasota at (941) 894-6428.  

A Surgery Preparation Guide for Out-of-Town Patients

It’s more common than you might think for patients to travel for surgery, particularly when the surgery is a very delicate procedure like a vasectomy reversal. It’s important to choose a vasectomy reversal surgeon who has an excellent track record of success and plenty of experience in the various surgical approaches. Patients often decide that the skill of the surgeon is more important than the distance. 

Coordinate the scheduling with your partner. 

You must be accompanied by a responsible adult when you leave the surgical center. Because of this, you and your partner will both need to travel for the surgery. Ask the surgeon’s office about the available surgery dates, and coordinate with your partner to pick the best one. 

Pack comfortable clothing. 

After having any surgery, comfort will likely be your top priority. Pack an assortment of comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and take off. You’ll be resting in your hotel room after the surgery, so consider bringing sweatpants and a robe. Remember that you’ll also need to wear a jock strap for a while after the surgery to minimize swelling and support the surgical area. 

Choose a hotel with room service. 

If you were planning a typical vacation, you’d probably research good restaurants in the area. But for a trip for surgery, it’s more convenient to order room service. When booking your hotel, you should check out the room service menus and policies in advance, such as how late you can order. Remember that you’ll need to refrain from eating and drinking anything prior to surgery. Typically, patients are asked to fast beginning at midnight the night before. 

Thanks to Dr. Joshua Green’s renowned expertise, patients travel from far and wide to undergo medical procedures at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal. Our office makes it as easy as possible for our out-of-town patients to complete many of the pre-operative necessities before they arrive in Sarasota for a vasectomy reversal. If you have questions about traveling for surgery, we’ll be happy to help you at (941) 894-6428. 

Will You Need Pre-Surgery Testing?

Before you have any type of surgery, including a vasectomy reversal, it’s crucial to inform the doctor of your full medical history. The vasectomy reversal surgeon needs to know about your pre-existing medical conditions, prior history of surgeries, and the medications and supplements you may be taking, including over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. In some cases, patients may be asked to undergo pre-surgery medical testing. 

It’s particularly important to inform the doctor if you take medications for high blood pressure. The surgeon may need you to have a simple blood test. And if you are in poor overall health, you may need to see your primary physician in order to get medically cleared for surgery. Medical clearance means that it’s generally safe for you to undergo surgery, despite the presence of medical conditions. 

Receive the personalized guidance and medical advice you need when you become a patient at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Sarasota. Call (941) 894-6428 to request an appointment with Dr. Green.

Re-Do Vasectomy Reversal Surgeries: What You Need to Know

Vasectomy reversals are performed to reconnect the vas deferens and make pregnancy possible after men have had vasectomies. Vasectomy reversals have a high rate of success, as defined by the presence of sperm in the semen within 12 months of the procedure. However, some men do experience failed vasectomy reversals, which may lead them to consider getting a re-do procedure. You may be a good candidate for a re-do operation, but only a vasectomy reversal surgeon can determine this.  

What Causes Failed Vasectomy Reversals 

There are a number of possible causes for a failed reversal. One potential reason is that scar tissue has built up at the surgical site. The body naturally produces scar tissue as part of the healing response. When there is too much scar tissue around the vas deferens, it can block the sperm from passing through this narrow tube. During a re-do procedure, the surgeon can remove the scar tissue. Other possibilities to consider include: 

• Surgical site infection 
• Post-surgical trauma in the scrotal area 
• Presence of anti-sperm antibodies 
• Improper use of the vasovasostomy instead of another surgical technique 

What Other Factors Contribute to Infertility  

A failed vasectomy reversal can be defined in two main ways: The failure of the sperm to travel through the vas deferens, or the failure to conceive a child naturally. In other words, even if the original procedure did result in the presence of sperm in the semen, there may be other underlying issues causing male or female infertility. Before considering a re-do reversal, it’s advisable for you and your partner to undergo a medical evaluation to assess fertility. 

Why You Might Consider Sperm Aspiration 

Even if the vasectomy reversal surgeon determines that a re-do procedure isn’t likely to succeed, you do have another option for having biological children. The surgeon can aspirate sperm from the epididymis. This is known as the MESA procedure. You and your partner may then decide to use the sperm for an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. 

Dr. Joshua Green has considerable expertise in re-do vasectomy reversals and has performed many of them successfully. Every patient has unique circumstances to consider, and so you should consult Dr. Green in Sarasota directly to find out if a repeat reversal might be right for you. Call the Center for Vasectomy Reversal at (941) 894-6428 to request a consult. 

Understanding the Vasectomy Reversal Procedure

The vasectomy reversal is a highly delicate, complex procedure. The goal is to reconnect the vas deferens, which is the tiny tube that carries sperm from the testicle to the semen. This can enable a couple to get pregnant. The vas deferens is about one-third of a millimeter in diameter. The surgeon places several tiny stitches around that tube to reconnect the severed ends. 

You can learn more about vasectomy reversals by watching the accompanying video clip of “The Doctors” TV show. It features a couple who underwent the procedure and their vasectomy reversal surgeon. You’ll hear about success rates, semen analysis, and other options, such as IVF. 

Dr. Joshua Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal looks forward to meeting you and your partner. Call (941) 894-6428 to begin the process of exploring infertility procedures available in Sarasota.

Are You a Candidate for a V-E Procedure?

During your consult, your vasectomy reversal surgeon will explain your surgical options. Depending on your unique situation, you may be a candidate for a vasoepididymostomy, also called the V-E procedure. If so, the surgeon will attach the vas deferens directly to the epididymis, which is the small organ at the rear of each testicle that stores the sperm. The V-E technique is far more technically complicated than the standard vasovasostomy. However, you may require the V-E approach if you aren’t a good candidate for a vasovasostomy.  

It’s typical for the vasectomy reversal surgeon to determine which technique is right for you during the surgery itself. The determining factor is whether there is sperm present in the fluid in the vas deferens. It’s not common to require the V-E procedure when a man has the reversal performed within 10 years of having the original vasectomy procedure. 

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, Dr. Joshua Green will answer all of your questions about the surgery before you make your decision. Call (941) 894-6428 to request a consultation for having a vasectomy reversal in Sarasota.

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon About Your Vasectomy Reversal Procedure

The decision to have any sort of surgery should never be made lightly. It’s important to be a proactive patient by asking the vasectomy reversal surgeon all of your questions and learning about the procedure from credible sources. Don’t hesitate to call the clinic if any questions or concerns occur to you after your initial consultation. 

How long does the procedure take? 

A vasectomy reversal is an outpatient procedure, which means you won’t have to stay at the hospital overnight. It typically takes two to three hours to perform it. If the doctor needs to perform a vasoepididymostomy, which is a more complicated surgical technique, then it will take a little longer. The doctor probably won’t know whether this technique is needed until during the surgery itself. Additionally, it will take some time to prepare you for surgery and to monitor you afterward. 

Will I be asleep? 

Yes, this procedure is performed under general anesthesia. If you’ve ever had general anesthesia before and experienced a reaction to it, let the doctor know. You’ll be asked not to consume any food or liquids for eight to 12 hours prior to your appointment. Your vital signs will be continuously monitored during the surgery, and while you’re coming out of the anesthesia afterward. It’s normal to be groggy for a while afterward. You should plan to rest after you return home. 

Will it be painful afterward? 

Most patients report that the pain isn’t as bad as they expected. You would probably describe it as discomfort or an aching sensation, similar to what you experienced after your original vasectomy. The doctor will prescribe pain medications. Follow the dosage instructions on the label carefully, and call the pharmacist if you have any questions. You should also apply an ice pack for 20 minutes off and on to minimize the discomfort and swelling. 

You can get the answers to all of your questions during your consultation with Dr. Joshua Green. Here at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we emphasize the importance of patient education and pre-operative preparedness. You can call our vasectomy reversal clinic in Sarasota at (941) 894-6428. 

Why Are You Supposed to Avoid Eating Before Surgery?

During your consultation for a vasectomy reversal—or any other surgery—you’ll be instructed not to take anything by mouth for eight to 12 hours prior to the procedure. If you need to take medications, you should ask the doctor if you can take them with a small sip of water. Find out why it’s important to go into surgery with an empty stomach when you watch this featured video. 

The anesthesiologist featured here explains that eating before being placed under general anesthesia increases the risk of aspiration. This occurs when the contents of the stomach travel upward and enter the lungs. Aspiration pneumonia is a serious complication, but you can avoid it by following your pre-surgical directions. 

If you need to reach Dr. Green in Sarasota prior to having your vasectomy reversal, you can call (941) 894-6428. The entire staff at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is committed to upholding the highest standards of patient care and safety.

How Does the Age of the Female Partner Affect Post-Reversal Pregnancy Rates?

There are dozens of issues that can potentially affect fertility. For men who have had a vasectomy, that procedure is the overriding factor. But there are also issues that may affect female fertility. It’s a smart idea to explore all the possible factors before making a medical decision, including the potential effects of the age of the female partner. 

What Science Says About Age and Fertility 

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), a woman’s fertility “decreases gradually but significantly” when she reaches her 32nd birthday. The rate of fertility decline accelerates after 37 years. By age 40, it’s quite common for women to have trouble conceiving naturally. ACOG notes that females are born with one to two million oocytes, or eggs. By puberty, women will have between 300,000 and 500,000 eggs. That number declines sharply at age 37, at which point women will only have 25,000 eggs. As ovarian reserve declines, so too does fertility. 

How Age Affects Post-Reversal Pregnancy Rates 

Research indicates that female age has no special effect on pregnancy rates after the male partner has had a vasectomy reversal. In other words, the chances of pregnancy are comparable. If Jane, age 40, and Jose, post-vasectomy reversal, try to have a baby, their chances of getting pregnant would be roughly the same as if Jose had never had a vasectomy, assuming that all other factors remain consistent. 

What This Means for You  

When a couple is considering a vasectomy reversal, it’s wise for the female partner to discuss potential fertility issues with her physician. Even if female infertility may be a problem, there are other options to consider. The vasectomy reversal surgeon could perform a sperm retrieval procedure if the couple wants to consider in vitro fertilization (IVF), for example. 

Dr. Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal strongly encourages couples to be proactive patients. It’s always a good idea for the female partner to explore possible fertility issues with her doctor before making decisions about the vasectomy reversal. When you’re ready to move forward, call Dr. Joshua Green in Sarasota at (941) 894-6428 to request a consult. 

What Are the Factors That Impact Vasectomy Reversal Success?

After you undergo a vasectomy reversal, you’ll need to wait a while to find out if it was successful in restoring the mobility of sperm. In about six to eight weeks, you’ll provide a semen sample for analysis. If sperm is present in the sample, the operation was a success. Occasionally, it may take a year or longer for sperm to be present in the semen. While vasectomy reversals are generally highly successful, there are several factors that can affect the success rate. Likewise, there are many issues that can affect female and male fertility, other than issues pertaining to the surgery. 

Length of Time 

The length of time between the original vasectomy and the vasectomy reversal surgery can be a factor in the success rate. Men who undergo a reversal within five years of having the reversal will generally have a 95% or greater chance of success. If between five and 10 years have passed, there is about a 90% success rate. If more than a decade has gone by, the success rate is generally between 80% and 90%. 

Anatomical Blockage  

Aside from the length of time that has passed, one of the biggest factors that can affect the success of the operation is the presence of scar tissue. After the original surgery, scar tissue can develop in the vas deferens or the epididymis. This means that, even if the severed ends of the vas deferens are successfully reconnected, sperm may not be present in the semen. 

Surgical Skills 

A vasectomy reversal is far more technically difficult than a vasectomy. Surgeons must have specialized skills and plenty of hands-on experience in order to produce a high success rate. It’s important to choose a vasectomy reversal surgeon who specializes in this field, and who has had a long and successful career. 

Dr. Green in Sarasota has performed hundreds of vasectomy reversal surgeries with a high rate of success. He invites men and their partners to come in for a consult at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal. Call our friendly staff at (941) 894-6428, and ask about long-distance consults for out-of-town patients.