• Getting Pregnant After a Vasectomy Reversal

    While vasectomies have long been considered a permanent form of birth control, today’s advances in microsurgical techniques have made it possible to successfully reverse a vasectomy. Typically, you will be able to conceive a child after vasectomy reversal: studies indicate that about 75 percent of men who have undergone vasectomy reversal can conceive naturally. However, the process can take time. Here are some factors that come into play when you are trying to get pregnant after having a vasectomy reversed.

    • The type of vasectomy reversal impacts the length of time it takes to conceive. The simpler form of reversal is called a vasovasostomy, and men who have this kind of procedure should have sperm present in the ejaculate after about three months. The more complicated type of procedure, a vasoepididymostomy, is done when there is a blockage in the epididymis, close to the testicle. After this kind of procedure, it can take six to 12 months for the ejaculate to contain sperm.
    • It takes some time for sperm count to build back up to the right levels for conception. Just because sperm is present in the ejaculate, it does not necessarily mean there is a normal sperm count. It takes time for sperm to normalize, and it can be several months before the sperm count is high enough for conception. Once it is, it can still take several months for a couple to conceive.
    • The amount of time since the vasectomy affects the success of the reversal. Typically, the longer it has been, the more difficult it will be to conceive. The highest rates of success are usually seen within five years of the procedure, and after 10 years, pressure can cause a blockage that will mean the surgeon must perform a difficult procedure, known as a vas-to-epididymis reconstruction, which can reduce the success rate for conception.
    • Both paternal and maternal age come into play when trying to conceive after a vasectomy reversal. In women over thirty-five years of age, hormone and ovulation cycles are more difficult to predict, and this increases the difficulty of conception. For men over fifty, sperm quality or concentration can decrease, increasing the amount of time needed to conceive. In some cases, an alternative method of conception, such as in vitro fertilization, may be recommended to help increase the chances of conception.

    At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we are well-versed in providing effective vasectomy reversal. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

  • How to love your children evenly

    When you have children, you’ll soon discover that every child is unique, presenting different challenges and bringing different joys. Embracing the differences in your children and loving them for who they are can be a tricky lesson for parents to learn, and when you have more than one child, it becomes slightly more complicated. You may love your children equally, for instance, but find one easier to relate to than another. How can you love them evenly, giving them the same amount of attention and making them feel equally important?

    • Start with one-on-one time. Consistent quality time, during which you’re 100 percent present, with no phones or distractions, helps build relationships with them. Ask questions and let your kids talk about their interests and activities, giving them the kind of attention that makes them feel safe and loved. Do this with each of your kids on a regular basis and you’ll learn who they really are.
    • Recognize your children’s unique gifts. You don’t want your kids to compete with each other, comparing themselves and building sibling rivalry, because this is the kind of thing that creates jealousy and results in low self-esteem. The best way to prevent this is to be careful about balancing your attention, supporting each of them in their interests and cheering on their special talents. When they begin to compare themselves with each other, use it as an opportunity to praise each child’s strengths and remind them that they shine in different areas. Give them examples of how their differences enrich the family and how they are equally important.
    • Be openly affectionate with your kids. Don’t be afraid to show your love for your children. Praise them when they do well, gently redirect and encourage them when they need a do-over. Don’t shame your kids, but guide them lovingly, with grace and respect, and show them affection in ways that are meaningful to each of them. For one child, affection may be best received in a hug, while another might respond more favorably to words of praise and affirmation.
    • Relate to your children with authenticity. Kids can tell when you are being insincere, so speak from your heart rather than giving false compliments or disingenuous praise. Show appreciation for who they are, and you’ll help them gain confidence in themselves. When they know you tell them what you honestly think, your positive words will make them feel truly loved and valued.

    By giving your children a firm foundation of love and support, you’re preparing them to be people with the confidence to find their place in the world. At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love making the world better by helping people grow their families. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

  • Signs you might be ready to have baby #2

    Planning a family can be tricky. Once you have one child, you may feel a pull to have another. On the other hand, children can be overwhelming. Are you really ready to have another one? How can you tell whether it’s time to try for number two, or whether it would be a better idea to wait? Here are some signs that you might be ready to have baby number two.

    • The first sign that you are ready to have another child is simply a feeling. You feel ready! The idea of having another baby gets you and your partner excited, and makes you feel warm and happy. If you don’t have these feelings when you consider another child, you might want to wait a while to start trying for another.
    • If your relationship is strong or healthy, you might want to add another child to the family. It’s important to make sure you and your partner are on the same page, and that you are secure in your relationship. If you are having trouble with each other, bringing another baby into the family may not be a good idea. Relationships may shift after each baby, and that’s ok! It’s just important to keep good communication and treat each other with love and respect.
    • Your child may be requesting a sibling. This is a valid reason to have another baby, assuming that you and your partner are both on board and the timing is good. You may also be concerned about the age gap between your children, and not want them to be too far apart. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least two years between children, but of course, the spacing of your family is up to you.
    • There may be a sense that your family is not complete. Some people have very firm ideas about this, and as long as everyone in the family is in agreement, go for it!
    • You may want another baby if your first child is easy. Don’t assume, however, that the second child will follow suit. They all have their own personalities, and your second may be the polar opposite of your first. If you’re ready for whatever personality is headed your way, you’re ready for another baby.
    • Baby fever may spur you to have another. If you turn to mush in the presence of a baby, it’s pretty clear that you would be happy with another one of your own. This can be a strong emotional pull, and it may mean that you’re ready for a new baby, but it’s smart to temper that enthusiasm by assessing your situation to make sure it’s really a good idea.
    • You are in the right situation to have another baby. Your emotional readiness is one thing, but your actual readiness is something else entirely. Even if you, your partner, and your first child are longing for a baby to hold, if your finances are in shambles and your housing situation is insecure, it’s not the right time. Assess your finances, along with practical concerns like the size of your home and your vehicle, to make sure you are ready to add another baby to the mix.
    • You understand how a new baby will change the family dynamic. Remember, you’re talking about adding a whole new person to your life. Your focus on your first child will have to be divided between two kids, and you and your partner will have less time alone. However, a new little life brings a new measure of love into your lives, and if you’re ready to embrace change, it will be well worth it.

    Whenever you’re ready to enlarge your family, we are ready to help. At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love making the world better by helping people grow their families. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

  • The most popular baby names in 2022

    2022 has come to a close, and you know what that means. That’s right, we now have a pretty definitive list of the top baby names of 2022. Choosing the right baby name is one of the most important things you can do for your child, and knowing what’s trending can help you narrow down your own preferences. Without further ado, here is a rundown of the most popular baby names of 2022.

    The names topping both lists are the same as last year, Olivia for a girl and Liam for a boy. Names like Olivia, ending in “a,” are extremely popular, and in fact all the names in the top five share this characteristic. What’s more, they’re exactly the same as they were last year! After Olivia, there’s Emma, then Amelia, Ava, and Sophia.

    The race to the top for boys’ names this year was tight, with Liam beating Noah by a slight margin. Interestingly, as with the girls’ names, names three and four were the same as last year: Oliver and Elijah. However, number five was an upset, as Mateo climbed up from 11 to push Lucas out of the top five spot. Lucas is now sixth, and Levi went from sixth to seventh this year. Then come Asher and James, and rounding out the top 10 is Leo, which came up from 12 this year. Mason and Ethan fell out of the top 10 to make room for Leo and Mateo.

    In the girl’s top ten, there was only one newcomer. Evelyn displaced Harper, but everything else stayed the same, simply shifting a little in popularity. Charlotte dropped from six to nine, Isabella shifted from seven to six, and Luna went from nine to seven. Mia hung onto the number eight spot.

    There were some significant shifts outside the top 10, too. Gender neutral names are gaining ground, with River moving up 31 places on both the boy and girl names lists. On the girls’ side, Athena and Iris moved up 24 spots apiece, and Freya jumped 22 places to crack into the top 100. Falling in popularity were Ellie, Riley, Emily, and Bella, which all dropped six spots, Savannah, which went down a whopping 22 spots, and Aubrey, which dropped almost as far, at 21 spots. Hannah and Madison each fell 14 spots.

    Some previously popular names on the boys’ side took some big tumbles, too, with Cameron down 22 spots, Andrew falling 18, Logan, 16, and Jack dropping eight spots, with those last two exiting the top 20. Some pretty interesting names gained steamed this year, though. Myles and River were the top climbers with 31 places apiece, while Legend climbed 28 and Atlas gained 23 spots. Waylon was big, too, going up 22 spots and entering the top 50.

    What will you name your baby? Does this list give you inspiration, or does it make you want to steer clear of certain trends? Whatever you decide to name your future child, the Center for Vasectomy Reversal would love to help you grow families. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.