• 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.