• Baby Registries: What New Parents Should Know

    After a successful vasectomy reversal and pregnancy, one of the many things on your to-do list will be to set up a baby registry. Baby registries give loved ones an opportunity to help new parents get many of the items they will need, but setting one up can be trickier than you might imagine.

    Watch this video for tips on setting up your registry. If you’re new to parenting, talk to loved ones who have been through the experience, to find out which items they found useful and which ones they never really used. Don’t be shy about asking for gift cards as well, which can help you meet unanticipated needs after your baby arrives.

    Dr. Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Sarasota has a track record of successful vasectomy reversals for patients from across the country. Make an appointment for a consultation by calling (941) 894-6428.

  • Sperm Retrieval Terms and Acronyms to Know

    When you decide to address male infertility , you can expect to encounter many new terms as your doctor explains your options. Understanding the terms that surround these infertility procedures will help you make the right decisions for yourself and your goals of starting a family. Here is a look at some of the terms you may encounter when you undergo sperm retrieval.

    SSR

    SSR is the acronym for surgical sperm retrieval. SSR involves removing sperm from the epididymis or vas deferens for men who are experiencing fertility issues, such as a low sperm count or a lack of sperm in the semen. SSR is often combined with IVF, or in vitro fertilization, to achieve a pregnancy. There are multiple types of SSR procedures. Finding the right one for you depends on a number of different factors, including the reason surgically retrieving sperm is necessary for you.

    PESA/TESA/MESA

    PESA, TESA, and MESA are types of SSRs that can be used if there is an obstruction preventing sperm from entering the ejaculate. PESA stands for percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration and involves removing sperm from the epididymis via a fine needle under local anesthesia. If PESA fails, then TESA or MESA may be tried. TESA stands for testicular sperm aspiration and involves removing sperm from the testicles. MESA is microsurgical epididymal aspiration and involves the use of a microscope to locate and correct the obstruction in the epididymis to remove the sperm.

    TESE

    TESE involves taking biopsies from multiple areas of testicular tissue in order to find retrievable sperm. Micro-dissection TESE is another form of TESE in which a microscope that can perform micro-dissections is used to find tissue that is likely to help sperm, in order to biopsy smaller amounts of tissue than traditional TESE. Both of these techniques can be used when low sperm production, rather than an obstruction, is impacting fertility.

    At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, Dr. Green can help you choose the right infertility procedure to help you get the best possible chances of conceiving. For more information about vasectomy reversals and infertility procedures in Sarasota , please call (941) 894-6428.

  • Will Sperm Quality Be the Same After a Reversal?

    Vasectomy reversals are often successful for men who change their minds about parenthood. The sooner the reversal is performed after the original vasectomy, the greater the chance of success will be. However, it’s important to remember that your sperm count and quality are both affected by your age. Since you’ll naturally be older after your vasectomy reversal, you may have a lower sperm count and poorer quality of sperm.

    The reversal procedure itself shouldn’t affect the quality of sperm. When sperm count and motility are affected by a vasectomy or reversal, it’s usually due to the buildup of scar tissue. At periodic intervals after your reversal, you’ll return to the clinic to provide a semen sample for analysis. This allows you and your doctor to keep track of your sperm count and quality to maximize your chances of becoming a father.

    The Center for Vasectomy Reversal is a leading destination for men seeking infertility procedures in Sarasota. Call the staff of Dr. Joshua Green at (941) 894-6428.

  • What You Need to Know about Vasectomy Reversal [INFOGRAPHIC]

    A vasectomy is considered a form of permanent birth control, but if you’ve changed your mind about wishing to conceive after undergoing one, a vasectomy reversal may be an effective solution. During a vasectomy reversal, the vas deferens is restored to allow sperm to be released during ejaculation and make conceiving a child possible again. However, the likelihood of success will depend on how long it has been since you underwent the initial procedure. Take a look at this infographic from Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Sarasota, FL. Please share this information with friends and family who may also be interested in vasectomy reversal .

  • What Vasectomy Reversal Patients Should Know About Alcohol

    Vasectomy reversals are delicate procedures that require the touch of a skillful, experienced surgeon. Despite their complexity for the surgeon, however, the experience for the patient is relatively straightforward. No hospital stay is required. Men do need to follow some pre-operative and post-operative guidelines, and one of those is to avoid alcohol.

    When Men Should Avoid Alcohol

    Vasectomy reversal surgeons will give their own personalized instructions to their patients. In general, most advise avoiding alcohol for two weeks prior to the procedure. Men must also stay away from alcoholic beverages for about a month after the surgery, until they are fully healed.

    Why Patients Should Avoid Alcohol

    The restriction on alcohol isn’t unique to vasectomy reversals. Patients undergoing any type of surgery should follow these guidelines for best results. Similar to tobacco use, alcohol consumption inhibits the healing process , and can make recovery take longer. Alcohol also acts on the immune system, which can increase the likelihood of a post-operative infection. Surgical patients who consume alcohol are at a higher risk of other complications and side effects, including the following:

    • Excessive bleeding
    • Heart problems
    • Pneumonia
    • Hospital admittance

    Men who have trouble stopping their alcohol use may need to postpone the vasectomy reversal. Alcohol use disorder results in moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms, and sudden withdrawal may sometimes be medically serious. Patients are advised to consult their physicians if they think they may have a problem with alcohol abuse.

    How Alcohol Affects Male Fertility

    Although men should be able to resume their alcohol consumption a month or so after surgery, doing so might not necessarily be a good idea, as the purpose of a vasectomy reversal is to become a parent. Heavy alcohol use can adversely affect the quality of sperm. It may also lead to impotence and the loss of libido.

    At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we’re committed to equipping each of our patients and their partners with the information and resources they need to make wise healthcare decisions. Dr. Green is an accomplished vasectomy reversal surgeon serving Sarasota and out-of-town patients. You can request an appointment or a long-distance consult by calling (941) 894-6428.

  • Baby Sprinkle Parties 101

    You’ve heard of baby showers, but what about sprinkles? Baby showers are reserved for a woman’s first pregnancy, as they are designed to “shower” the family with the baby gear they’ll need. Sprinkles are for subsequent pregnancies. They’re intended to “sprinkle” the mother with a few necessities, but the primary focus is on celebrating the upcoming birth.

    Learn more about baby sprinkles by watching this video. It explains the basics, such as how to decorate for the party and which refreshments to serve. Macaroons and cupcakes are always popular. This lifestyle expert also recommends doing DIY skin scrubs that the guests can take home with them.

    If you’re thinking about infertility procedures in Sarasota, then it’s time to make an appointment with Dr. Joshua Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal. Call us at (941) 894-6428, and let us help you grow your family .

  • Possible Causes of Low Sperm Count

    Sometimes, a vasectomy reversal by itself isn’t enough to fully correct male infertility. If a man has low sperm count, the chances of conceiving a child naturally aren’t favorable. But don’t give up hope if you’ve been told your sperm count is low. You and your partner may have the option of having surgical sperm retrieval, followed by in vitro fertilization (IVF).

    Varicocele

    The veins in the scrotum may sometimes become enlarged. This is known as a varicocele, and it’s a common cause of low sperm count . Most men don’t realize they have a varicocele, as it doesn’t usually cause noticeable symptoms. Occasionally, men may experience pain in the scrotal area. The pain typically worsens with activity and prolonged standing.

    Retrograde Ejaculation

    Spinal injuries, diabetes, and a history of prostate, urethral, or bladder surgery can elevate the risk of retrograde ejaculation. This condition occurs when the semen flows into the bladder instead of out through the penis. It’s sometimes possible to correct retrograde ejaculation. When correction isn’t feasible, men can still become fathers via sperm retrieval and IVF.

    Infections

    It’s possible for certain infections to cause scar tissue to accumulate in the male reproductive area. This scar tissue may prevent the normal travel of sperm. Some infections may also directly lower sperm production. Gonorrhea and HIV are two examples of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that can result in this problem. The inflammation of the testicles, called orchitis, and the inflammation of the epididymis are other types of infections that can cause low sperm count.

    Toxin Exposure

    A man’s sperm count can be adversely affected by the exposure to environmental toxins. These can include industrial chemicals, such as pesticides, paint, lead, and organic solvents. Men who have previously received radiation therapy or X-rays in the reproductive area can have reduced sperm production. This may improve after a few years, or it may be permanent.

    Dr. Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is a widely recognized expert in the field of male infertility. He specializes in vasectomy reversals at his Sarasota clinic, as well as sperm retrieval procedures for IVF. Schedule a consult today by calling (941) 894-6428.

  • Semen Analysis Testing After a Reversal

    Vasectomy reversals have favorable success rates, but there’s still a waiting period before couples are able to get pregnant. Every couple is a little different, but in general, it may take anywhere from three to 12 months before a man’s sperm count is once again at a robust level. To assess the success of the vasectomy reversal, men will have semen analysis testing.

    Depending on the particular clinic, men may have their first analysis at about six to eight weeks after the procedure. After this, additional semen analysis appointments are scheduled every one to two months. Once a lab report shows stabilized sperm count and motility, there is a good chance of pregnancy within six months of actively trying.

    At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, Dr. Joshua Green can answer all of your questions about having a vasectomy reversal in Sarasota, including what you can expect afterward. If you’ve decided your vasectomy wasn’t the right decision for you, give us a call at (941) 894-6428.

  • What Is IVF Really Like?

    VF cycles take four to six weeks to complete. From a distance, the steps involved with this infertility procedure seem fairly simple: Administer fertility drugs, retrieve the eggs, fertilize the eggs, and transfer the embryo. But in actuality, one IVF cycle is a time-intensive, emotionally challenging endeavor that may or may not result in pregnancy. Before you and your partner decide to go through an IVF cycle, both of you should be keenly familiar with what’s involved.

    Women must inject themselves with fertility drugs.

    If you’re the female partner and you have a needle phobia, you might consider seeing a psychologist or a hypnotist to help you get through the cycle. Two medications must be injected subcutaneously: One to stimulate egg development, and one to prevent ovulation from happening too soon. One of these medications is given for 21 days, and must be injected into the abdomen or thigh. Another is usually injected for nine days. To make matters a little more complicated, some fertility drugs must be reconstituted from powder before being injected.

    There will be lots of office visits.

    Try to choose an IVF clinic as close to your home as possible, as you’ll be driving there very frequently. You’ll have a couple of initial office visits, followed by office visits every one to two days, usually starting on day five of stimulation. These appointments are for cycle monitoring, and they require an ultrasound and blood test. After cycle monitoring, you’ll have a few more office visits to complete the cycle.

    Some additional procedures may be necessary.

    Sometimes, an IVF cycle isn’t as simple as stimulating the ovaries, retrieving the eggs, and transferring the embryo. Men may not be able to contribute a semen sample conventionally. They may need to see a vasectomy reversal surgeon for the MESA technique, which involves the surgical extraction of sperm to fertilize the eggs.

    The Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Sarasota is a leading destination for couples seeking infertility procedures. Dr. Joshua Green specializes in vasectomy reversals and in the MESA technique for the surgical retrieval of sperm. Couples can call our office at (941) 894-6428.

  • Becoming an Older Parent

    These days, it’s not uncommon to see older parents at children’s museums and “mommy and me” classes. Couples often delay having children, because they want to obtain a graduate degree, advance in their careers, and achieve greater financial stability. Other individuals are simply still looking for Ms. or Mr. Right. This was the case for Wendy and her husband, whom you’ll meet when you watch this featured video.

    Wendy delivered their first child at age 36, and their second one year later. She explains that, contrary to popular belief, her energy level has actually increased since having kids, as she has to be more physically active to keep up with them.

    Dr. Joshua Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal considers it a privilege to help couples become loving parents , regardless of their age. Call (941) 894-6428 to discuss our infertility procedures in Sarasota.