It’s Been a Long Time Since My Vasectomy. Can I Still Get a Reversal?

Most men who have vasectomies do so because they feel sure that they no longer want to have children. However, life can change in unexpected ways, even long after a vasectomy procedure. If this happens to you, you may be wondering if it has simply been too long since your original procedure to consider a vasectomy reversal. How long is too long to wait to change your mind? 

Vasectomy reversals have the highest rates of success when they are performed soon after the original procedure. That doesn’t mean that reversals can’t be successful even decades later. Dr. Green has seen patients have successful reversals more than 20 years after their vasectomies since men produce sperm for their entire lives. If a vasectomy reversal is not possible, sperm retrieval for IVF is another option.  

The best way to decide if a vasectomy reversal is right for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal. To learn more about having a vasectomy reversal in Sarasota, call (941) 894-6428 today. 

Would You Use Social Media to Choose a Baby Name? 

Picking a baby name is one of the most exciting parts of growing your family. After a vasectomy reversal, if your partner conceives, would you ever use social media to help pick your baby’s name? 

Watch this video to hear how social media is shaping the way that some people pick names for their babies. Some people check social media handles and change the names that they had in mind of their chosen name is already taken, while others conduct social media polls to narrow down a name.  

Are you ready to start picking baby names? Call the Center for Vasectomy Reversal and learn more about vasectomy reversal procedures with Dr. Green in Sarasota. For more information, call (941) 894-6428.  

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.