• Common Concerns Women Have About Vasectomy Reversals

    Sometimes, male infertility occurs by choice. If your significant other previously had a vasectomy, but now both of you want to have a child, there are other options available than adoption. It may still be possible to have biological children after your partner undergoes a vasectomy reversal. Although he’s the one having the surgery, you also have an important role to play in the decision-making process. Offer to accompany your partner to the clinic and discuss the matter together.

    Being an Older Parent

    Many men who decide to have a vasectomy reversal are past their reproductive prime, but this doesn’t mean that they cannot father healthy children. These days, more couples are conceiving their first child or additional children at increasingly older ages. However, it is important to realize that the highest vasectomy reversal success rates are associated with the shortest length of time between the original surgery and the reversal. If you and your partner are considering having children, it’s best not to delay the reversal for too long.

    Resuming Sexual Activity

    Another common concern women may have is in regards to sexual activity after the procedure. Men must refrain from all types of sexual activity for at least three weeks after having a vasectomy reversal. However, you won’t be able to get pregnant right away. It can take three months or longer for sperm to be present in the ejaculate.

    Facilitating Recovery

    You might be concerned about your partner’s recovery after the procedure. After a vasectomy reversal, your significant other will likely experience discomfort for the first 24 to 48 hours. This can be managed with pain medications. You can help him recover from the procedure by offering ice packs to minimize the swelling.

    When you and your partner consult Dr. Joshua Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, you can expect that all of your questions and concerns about vasectomy reversals will be thoroughly addressed. In Sarasota, Dr. Green has developed a sterling reputation for his skill as a vasectomy reversal surgeon and his personalized attention to each patient. Contact our office today at (941) 961-4581.

  • Choosing the Right Anesthesia for Your Reversal

    When planning your vasectomy reversal, one important decision your surgeon will discuss with you is anesthesia. Dr. Green makes choices about anesthesia on a case-by-case basis, depending on the patient’s overall health, the nature of the procedure, and the patient’s preference. You can be confident that Dr. Green will ensure that you are completely comfortable throughout the vasectomy reversal and will help you choose the right anesthesia for your needs.

    For patients who prefer to have the minimum amount of anesthesia possible, a vasectomy reversal can be performed under local anesthesia. However, because it is necessary to stay absolutely still for four hours for the surgery, many patients prefer a more complete level of sedation. For these patients, Dr. Green will discuss intravenous sedation, general anesthesia, and spinal anesthesia.

    By performing vasectomy reversal procedures in an outpatient surgery center, Dr. Green and the Center for Vasectomy Reversal can safely provide patients with any kind of anesthesia necessary. If you are considering a vasectomy reversal in Sarasota , schedule an appointment by calling (941) 961-4581.

  • Starting a Family After a Vasectomy Reversal

    The motivation to start or grow a family is what leads most patients to seek a vasectomy reversal. Although vasectomy reversals can be extremely effective, there are many other things to consider when getting a vasectomy reversal with the goal of achieving a pregnancy. Even after a successful reversal, there are still reasons that pregnancy may be difficult, so discussing your goals with your surgeon is important. Here are the facts you need to know.

    Reversal isn’t immediate.

    After a vasectomy reversal, sperm does not become present in the semen immediately. The time it takes for the ejaculate to contain sperm varies from patient to patient. Your surgeon may recommend screening your semen six weeks after surgery for the presence of sperm and will repeat the screening periodically if no sperm is seen. For most men, sperm return to the semen within a few months of the procedure, but for some men, it can take a year or more. Pregnancy will not be possible until sperm are in the ejaculate fluid.

    Repeat reversals may be necessary,

    Sometimes, scar tissue develops along the pathway the sperm travels because of the surgery, which can cause a blockage that prevents sperm from reaching the semen. When this occurs, sometimes it is necessary to repeat the reversal surgery to avoid the area where scar tissue is present. In other cases, the reason for surgical failure may not be obvious, but repeating the reversal can be successful.

    Male infertility isn’t the only factor.

    After male infertility is corrected with a vasectomy reversal, fertility issues in the woman can make pregnancy impossible. Factors such as age and gynecological conditions can interfere with female fertility, so that pregnancy isn’t possible even after a successful vasectomy reversal. Your surgeon may recommend that both parties get screened for fertility problems if pregnancy doesn’t occur in a reasonable amount of time after a successful vasectomy reversal.

    Dr. Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal works with each couple individually to help them achieve their goal of starting a family. Talk to Dr. Green in Sarasota to see if a vasectomy reversal is right for you. Make an appointment today by calling (941) 961-4581.

  • Exploring Sperm Retrieval Techniques

    When determining the appropriate sperm retrieval technique to use for a patient, the first thing your doctor will determine is if your inability to conceive is caused by a low sperm count or by a blockage that is preventing normal levels of sperm from traveling through the reproductive system. These causes of male infertility require very different treatments.

    Watch this video to learn about the different sperm retrieval techniques your doctor may consider, based on the cause of your fertility issues. MESA, TESE, and MicroTESE are just a few of the options.

    At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal , Dr. Green provides comprehensive treatment for male infertility in Sarasota, including vasectomy reversals. Set up an appointment for a consultation today by calling (941) 961-4581.

  • Determining if Your Vasectomy Reversal Was Successful

    Vasectomy reversal success rates depend on a wide range of factors, including time since the original vasectomy procedure. When you schedule a vasectomy reversal at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, Dr. Green will discuss your specific case with you so you understand the personal factors that will contribute to the success of your procedure. After surgery, there are a few different ways to determine if your procedure was successful. Here are some of the indicators your vasectomy has been successfully reversed.

    Pregnancy

    Pregnancy is naturally an indicator of a successful vasectomy reversal. A pregnancy shows that sperm has successfully moved through the reproductive system and that there is not scar tissue to form a blockage that could impede the movement of sperm. Although reversing male infertility through vasectomy reversal is the goal of most reversal procedures, not achieving a pregnancy is not necessarily an indicator that the reversal has failed. It is possible for sperm to be present in the ejaculate but pregnancy still remain elusive for a number of factors, including fertility problems with the female partner. When a pregnancy does occur, however, you can be confident of a successful reversal.

    Semen Analysis

    Six to eight weeks after most vasectomy reversals, surgeons evaluate the patient’s semen under a microscope to look for the presence of sperm. If sperm is not present, it does not mean that the reversal has been unsuccessful. Some men can take a year or more to begin to have sperm in their semen again. Your surgeon may recommend periodic testing to look for sperm. If sperm is not present in the semen after a certain amount of time, your surgeon may recommend making another attempt at the reversal. This allows your surgeon to ensure that no scar tissue is blocking the sperm and to make any necessary adjustments if scar tissue is present.

    Dr. Green and the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is committed to helping patients attain their goals of starting a family with reversal surgeries and other solutions for male infertility. To make an appointment with Dr. Green in Sarasota , please call (941) 961-4581.

  • Making the Decision to Have a Vasectomy Reversal

    During a vasectomy, the vas deferens are cut and sealed; because these tiny tubes transport sperm from the testicles to the penis, this process is meant to eliminate the possibility of pregnancy through sexual intercourse. If you are considering a vasectomy reversal procedure to restore your ability to have children, there are many factors to consider. While a vasectomy reversal is a personal decision, discussing your desires and concerns with your partner and your vasectomy reversal surgeon can help you make the decision that is best for you.

    Your Family

    Vasectomy is most often performed as a sterilization procedure when a couple is through having children; thus, the most common reason that couples opt to reverse a vasectomy is the desire to have more children naturally. Whether you and your partner have simply changed your minds or you have remarried and wish to have children with your new spouse, reversing your vasectomy can make this possible. If you and your partner have discussed your options and agree that you are ready to have more children, a vasectomy reversal should be your next step.

    Your Age

    Age plays an important role in fertility ; while men can maintain fertility through their 70s, women typically experience a decline in fertility beginning in their 40s. Before considering a vasectomy reversal, it may be beneficial to have your partner tested for fertility, particularly if she is nearing or past the age of 40. If you need fertility assistance beyond vasectomy reversal to conceive a child, undergoing this procedure may not be the best solution to grow your family. Alternatives such as ISI and in-vitro fertilization might be more ideal. However, if infertility in your partner is not a worry, vasectomy reversal will restore your ability to have more children in the future. Most couples can achieve pregnancy within one year of vasectomy reversal.

    If you’re thinking about vasectomy reversal in Sarasota, Dr. Joshua Green of the Center for Vasectomy Reversal and Male Infertility can help you weigh the factors involved in this decision. You can visit our website to find out more about vasectomy reversals and their benefits, or give us a call at (941) 961-4581.

  • What to Ask Your Doctor About Your Vasectomy Reversal Options

    Vasectomy reversal can restore your ability to have children naturally with your spouse. If you are considering this procedure, it’s important to discuss your options with your vasectomy reversal surgeon to ensure you understand the type of procedure that is best for you, as well as what to expect after your vasectomy has been reversed.

    Which procedure is best for me?

    There are two types of vasectomy reversals performed today: the vaso-vasostomy and the vaso-epididymostomy. While the first type of procedure is more common, your condition may necessitate the second procedure if there is an obstruction in or damage to the vas deferens or epididymis. Thus, the type of vasectomy reversal that is best for you is based on your personal condition; your surgeon will explain why the procedure he recommends is the best solution for you.

    How long will recovery take?

    Vasectomy reversals are outpatient procedures, meaning you can return home immediately after the surgery. In most cases, recovery takes approximately three to four weeks from the day of your surgery to the complete return to your normal schedule; however, you’ll be able to return to most normal activities after four to five days, and will only need to restrict heavy lifting or physical exertion for up to four weeks.

    How soon can we conceive?

    Most couples who successfully conceive following vasectomy reversal achieve pregnancy within one year. However, it can take longer than a year for your fertility to be restored. Vasectomy reversals result in successful conception in 40-75% of cases; if you are concerned about the potential for infertility after the procedure, talk to your surgeon about further steps you can take.

    Dr. Joshua Green specializes in vasectomy reversal and infertility procedures in Sarasota at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal and Male Infertility. If you would like to learn more about vasectomy reversals, Dr. Green can evaluate your condition and offer the best solution to help you grow your family once more. Please stop by our website or call us today at (941) 961-4581 for more information about reversing a vasectomy and what to expect.

  • IVF 101

    In vitro fertilization, or IVF, can help you and your spouse conceive if female or male infertility is affecting your ability to have a child. This procedure may also be recommended if you have undergone one or more unsuccessful vasectomy reversals in the past.

    This video explains the IVF procedure in detail. During IVF, eggs and sperm are collected separately, then combined in a laboratory. The fertilized embryos are returned to the uterus, where one or more may came to term. IVF is one of many infertility procedures you may consider, and is often a last resort when other options fail.

    Do you have questions about IVF or other infertility procedures in Sarasota? Dr. Joshua Green of the Center for Vasectomy Reversal and Male Infertility specializes in vasectomy reversal and microscopic epididymal sperm aspiration for couples choosing IVF. Please call (941) 961-4581 or visit us online to learn more.

  • Sperm Retrieval Using the MESA Procedure

    In-vitro fertilization is one of many infertility procedures that can help couples suffering from female or male infertility conceive a child. Microscopic epididymal sperm aspiration, or MESA, is a step in the IVF procedure that is used to harvest sperm from the father. During MESA, sperm are retrieved directly from the epididymis with the assistance of an operating microscope. Due to the ease of visualizing the epididymal tubules for sperm retrieval using microscope equipment, this procedure has a high rate of success with a low chance of complications. Once the sperm have been retrieved, they are frozen and stored until viable eggs have been removed from your partner. MESA is a short procedure that is typically performed under some level of sedation; you can return home immediately but should refrain from physical exercise and strenuous activity for up to a week.

    Dr. Green can help you evaluate your options to overcome infertility and grow the family you want. You can find more information about infertility procedures in Sarasota , including IVF and vasectomy reversals, when you visit the website of the Center for Vasectomy Reversal and Male Infertility or give us a call at (941) 961-4581.

  • How Long Is Too Long to Wait for Vasectomy Reversal?

    The sooner a vasectomy reversal is performed after the original surgery, the better the chances are of successfully conceiving a child. The best success rates are generally seen if the vasectomy reversal is performed within three years of the vasectomy. Thereafter, having the vasectomy reversal performed within 10 years is preferable to waiting longer.

    However, if you underwent a vasectomy more than 10 years ago, you could still have a vasectomy reversal. Since men continue to produce sperm for their entire lives, there is no definitive cut-off point at which a vasectomy reversal would no longer be successful. Before having a vasectomy reversal, it’s a good idea to undergo some tests to determine if you may have other issues that could affect your fertility.

    Dr. Joshua Green of the Center for Vasectomy Reversal has performed successful operations on men over 20 years after their original surgeries. To discuss whether you may be a good candidate for infertility procedures at our clinic in Sarasota, give us a call today at (941) 961-4581.