• Understanding the Recovery Process for Vasectomy Reversal Surgery

    A vasectomy reversal usually takes a few hours to perform and it can be done on an outpatient basis. This means that you should not expect to stay overnight in a hospital. Before having a vasectomy reversal, you should be fully informed of what will happen, what the potential risks are, and how you will need to care for yourself after the procedure.

    Leaving the Clinic

    Although a vasectomy only takes two to three hours to perform, you’ll need to remain at the clinic longer than this. The procedure will be performed under general anesthesia. For your own safety, the doctor will only release you from the clinic when you are fully alert. You must have a responsible adult with you when you leave the clinic and you should plan to rest at home for the remainder of the day. If you’re traveling from out of town for a vasectomy reversal, it’s best to book a hotel room so that you can spend the rest of the day relaxing.

    Managing Your Medications

    Once the local anesthetic wears off, you may feel some discomfort in the scrotal area. The doctor will provide you with prescriptions for pain relievers, in addition to an antibiotic to prevent infections. Follow your dosage instructions carefully and ask the pharmacist if any of these instructions are unclear. You may take these medications with food if they upset your stomach.

    Applying Cold Packs

    Do not apply cold packs directly to your skin, but do wrap one in a clean towel to apply to your scrotal area. Cold therapy will improve your comfort level and reduce localized swelling after your procedure.

    Resuming Activities

    Your surgeon may provide you with different instructions; however, patients are generally advised to refrain from sexual activity and strenuous physical activities for three weeks after your procedure . If you perform a labor-intensive line of work, such as construction, you may need to be out of work for a little longer than this.

    When you become a patient at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal , you’ll receive detailed preoperative and postoperative instructions for your own safety. Should you have any questions or concerns, Dr. Joshua Green will be happy to address them. You can contact Dr. Joshua Green in Sarasota at (941) 961-4581.

  • Understanding Anti-Sperm Antibodies

    Male infertility has many possible causes, including some voluntary causes as with the case of a vasectomy. Sometimes, male infertility is attributed to anti-sperm antibodies. These antibodies are special proteins that attack the sperm in the semen, blood, or vaginal fluid. Both men and women may develop anti-sperm antibodies. These antibodies can then damage and kill sperm, making it difficult for the sperm to fertilize an egg.

    You can hear why some men develop anti-sperm antibodies by watching this brief video. A doctor explains that after trauma or prior surgery to the testicles, a man may have developed these antibodies due to the exposure of blood into the testicles. This allows the man’s immune system to recognize the sperm and manufacture antibodies to it.

    If you’ve been affected by male infertility and are considering having a vasectomy reversal in Sarasota, contact the Center for Vasectomy Reversal at (941) 961-4581. Dr. Joshua Green offers special long-distance consultations for patients from out of town.

  • Should You Consider a Second Vasectomy Reversal Attempt?

    A vasectomy is designed to permanently result in male infertility, but sometimes, men change their minds about starting or expanding their families. Unfortunately, it is quite possible for a vasectomy reversal to fail, especially if it is performed by a surgeon who does not specialize in this particular branch of medicine. It may still be feasible to have a child despite this first failed reversal attempt. Consider talking to a specialist in vasectomy reversals to find out if a “re-do” could help you.

    How long has it been since the first reversal?

    The sooner you have a vasectomy reversal after the vasectomy, the greater the likelihood is of a successful pregnancy. However, there is actually a waiting period after having a first vasectomy reversal before you might try a second. This is because it can take a while for your sperm to once again be present in your semen. Your doctor may test your semen for sperm about six to eight weeks after the surgery, but it can sometimes take a year or longer for sperm to be present.

    Have you been tested for other infertility issues?

    If you haven’t been able to conceive a child after a first vasectomy reversal, talk to your doctor about medical tests to check for other causes of infertility. Your problem may be caused by the shape of your sperm, for example, rather than their absence in your semen.

    Could female infertility be a factor?

    It’s also advisable to ask your female partner to get tested for infertility, if she hasn’t already done so. Female infertility is about as common as male infertility and both partners must be able to conceive a child.

    At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, Dr. Joshua Green has extensive experience working with patients who have already had one failed vasectomy reversal attempt. Schedule a consult with Dr. Green in Sarasota or via a long-distance method to determine if a “re-do” attempt might be appropriate for you. You can reach us at (941) 961-4581 or feel free to browse our website for more information about male infertility procedures.

  • Is a VE Procedure Right for You?

    A qualified vasectomy reversal surgeon in Sarasota advises all patients to take their time before committing to the procedure. Vasectomy reversals have helped millions of men have children later in life, but they are not for everyone.

    If it has been many years since your vasectomy, you might need to have a VE, or vasoepididymostomy. These specialized vasectomy reversals are necessary when there is obstruction in the epididymis after a successful vasectomy. These obstructions usually occur due to scar tissue, which can develop after many years. A VE is more complex than a traditional vasectomy reversal. Because the epididymis is attached to the male testes, VE requires vasectomy reversal surgeons to remove the testes from the scrotum before re-connecting the epididymis and vas. To put it more simply, a surgeon will have to make a larger incision than that required for a traditional vasectomy. VE is more technically demanding, as well, which means you should select a well-qualified surgeon like Dr. Joshua Green.

    Do you want to speak to an esteemed vasectomy reversal surgeon about the procedure? Reach Dr. Green at the Dr. Joshua Green Center for Vasectomy Reversal and Male Infertility by calling (941) 961-4581 today.