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 first–time parent is a wonderful experience, and the first Father’s Day is a 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 treasure, and 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 well–managed. 

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. 

Common Reasons that Men Change Their Minds About Their Vasectomies

There are plenty of options for birth control, but few of them are permanent. Men may decide to get a vasectomy if they think they’re all done having children, or if they think they never want to have kids. But quite often, guys change their minds. If you’ve been thinking about getting a vasectomy reversal, you’re not alone. Plenty of other men have gone back to the surgeon’s office after changing their mind about having children. 

Realizing They Aren’t Done Having Kids 

Many men who undergo vasectomy reversals have already had one or more children. When the kids are young and demand a great deal of time and attention, it can be easy to decide that you’ve had enough children. But as the kids grow up and empty nest syndrome sets in, many couples decide they want another chance at parenthood. There are lots of advantages to being an older father. Older dads have more wisdom to pass down. They also have the patience that comes from personally experiencing sleepless nights with an infant and long waits in doctors’ offices with sick kids. 

Divorcing and Finding Love Again 

Divorce is often perceived as a failure, but perhaps it shouldn’t be. Rather, it’s a chance to start over and an opportunity to find love again. Some men who have previously had a vasectomy later get divorced. When they find a new partner, they might want to have children together. 

Suffering from Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome 

Vasectomies are routine procedures and serious complications aren’t common. But some men develop post-vasectomy pain syndrome (PVPS). PVPS can be chronic and it may be debilitating for some men. A vasectomy doesn’t stop sperm production; it only stops the release of sperm into the ejaculate. It’s thought that PVPS develops as a result of the accumulation of sperm, which exerts pressure on the vas deferens. One way to address PVPS symptoms is to get a vasectomy reversal. 

If you’ve changed your mind about your vasectomy, the Center for Vasectomy Reversal invites you to consult Dr. Joshua Green. He is a leading vasectomy reversal surgeon in Sarasota who specializes in male infertility procedures. Call (941) 894-6428. Out-of-towners are welcome. 

Sperm Retrieval for IVF: What to Expect

After a vasectomy, in some cases, men who want to start a family are better candidates for sperm retrieval than a vasectomy reversal. Sperm retrieval is performed as part of in-vitro fertilization, or IVF. This option is necessary in the case of azoospermia, which means that there is no sperm present in the ejaculate. During sperm retrieval, sperm is removed directly from the epididymis so that it can be used in IVF procedures. If your vasectomy reversal surgeon recommends this procedure, here is what you can expect.  

Sperm Retrieval Through MESA 

Sperm retrieval is performed using the MESA procedure, or Microscopic Epididymal Sperm Aspiration. It is performed using an operating microscope, so your surgeon can see exactly where sperm is located in the epididymal tubules. Through the use of the operating microscope, it is possible for your surgeon to remove the sperm with as little damage as possible to the surrounding structures and with as little blood and other fluid as possible. This increases the chances of success during IVF. 

Local Anesthesia  

MESA is usually performed under local anesthesia, though some patients receive spinal blocks or general anesthesia. During the procedure, once you receive the anesthesia that the surgeon deems appropriate for you, he or she will make a series of small incisions in order to access the epididymal tubes. Using the microscope, he or she will remove the sperm from the tubes and frozen for use in future IVF sessions. Generally, it is possible to get enough sperm for multiple rounds of IVF during one MESA procedure.  

Recovery 

MESA is a minimally invasive procedure, and recovery is usually fast. It’s normal to have some swelling and tenderness for a few days after MESA that is easily controlled with pain medications. Most people return to normal activities within a few days.  

MESA is one of the procedures offered at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Sarasota. Dr. Green can help you decide if vasectomy reversal or another procedure, such as MESA, is the best fit for you. Schedule an appointment today by calling (941) 894-6428.