• Is the MESA Procedure the Right Choice for You?

    If infertility procedures such as IVF are part of your plan to start a family, then your vasectomy reversal surgeon may recommend MESA. During the MESA procedure, sperm is removed from the epididymis to be used during IVF. The procedure has a reliable track record of success and is unlikely to cause damage to adjacent structures in the reproductive system.

    MESA stands for Microscopic Epididymal Sperm Aspiration. During this procedure, Dr. Green using an operating microscope to locate the epididymal tubules and aspirate sperm. The use of the microscope makes the procedure very precise and reduces the risk of contamination from blood and other bodily fluids. This procedure can be performed using a combination of local anesthesia and a sedative, general anesthesia, or a spinal block.

    If IVF has been recommended as an appropriate infertility procedure for you, then MESA as performed by Dr. Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal could be the right treatment choice. Make an appointment to discuss vasectomy reversal options in Sarasota by calling (941) 894-6428.

  • What Could Cause a Vasectomy Reversal to Fail?

    Although vasectomy reversal procedures are often successful, they do not always help couples achieve the pregnancy that they want. Before your procedure, your vasectomy reversal surgeon will discuss all of the factors that could impact the success of your surgery, including things like age and the amount of time since your vasectomy. Here is a look at some of the issues that are most frequently to blame for vasectomy reversal failure.

    Sperm Antibodies

    Sperm antibodies are a significant concern after a vasectomy reversal. In some cases, men develop antibodies to their sperm that continue to affect them after a vasectomy reversal. These antibodies can affect the sperm in a number of ways, including by impairing the health of the sperm or making it impossible for the sperm to successfully fertilize an egg. Although any man can develop antibodies after a vasectomy reversal, the longer it has been since the vasectomy, the more likely it is that sperm antibodies will be an issue.

    Scar Tissue

    In some cases, scar tissue can build up in the scrotum after the vasectomy itself or after the vasectomy reversal procedure. This tissue can create a blockage that could reduce or prevent the presence of sperm of the ejaculate. Scar tissue is sometimes treated with anti-inflammatory medications or further surgical procedures, but it cannot always be adequately removed.

    Sperm Quality

    After a vasectomy, while sperm may be present, the quality of it may be diminished. Sperm motility issues are often present after a vasectomy, and they cannot be fixed with a reversal. For older patients, sperm count issues could also be present alongside problems with motility, thereby diminishing fertility further.

    At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, Dr. Green can offer alternative infertility procedures , such as MESA, for people whose vasectomy reversals don’t allow them to achieve pregnancy. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Green in Sarasota. please call (941) 894-6428.

  • What to Expect When You Bring Your Baby Home

    After a successful vasectomy reversal and pregnancy, all that is left to do is to bring home your newest family member. Even experienced parents can feel anxious about bringing a new baby home, but the tips in this video will help you prepare.

    Take time during the pregnancy to prepare your home as much as possible. When your baby comes home, it’s likely that your sleep will be disrupted for a period of time. Try to sleep when the baby sleeps, so you can stay as refreshed as possible.

    At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal , Dr. Green makes the dream of growing your family a reality with vasectomy reversals in Sarasota. Make an appointment for a consultation with a vasectomy reversal surgeon today by calling (941) 894-6428.

  • Considering a Vasectomy Reversal? Here Are the Facts You Need to Know

    It’s not uncommon for men to change their minds about a vasectomy at some point in the future. A change of life circumstances, a new partner, or a simple shift in outlook could all lead men to consider reversing their vasectomies. If you’re considering a vasectomy reversal , chances are that you have a lot of questions about what to expect. Here are the facts you need to know as you determine if a vasectomy reversal is right for you.

    Vasectomy reversals are typically fast procedures with quick recoveries.

    Vasectomy reversal procedures typically only take a few hours, from start to finish. Some men undergo the procedure with general anesthesia, while others receive a local anesthetic or spinal block with an intravenous sedative. The recovery process usually only takes a few days, during which time patients can experience some mild discomfort. Pain medication may be prescribed to manage these symptoms. Patients may also be advised to abstain from sexual activity for several weeks.

    There are two types of vasectomy reversal procedures.

    At the start of the procedure, your vasectomy reversal surgeon will examine fluid from the vas deferens. If sperm is present, then he or she will perform a procedure called vasovasostomy, or VV surgery. If there are no sperm, he or she will perform a vasoepididymostomy, or VE surgery, which helps to eliminate blockages in the epididymis.

    Vasectomy reversals are not always successful.

    There are many things that can affect the result of a vasectomy reversal, including how long it has been since the vasectomy and the age of the patient. Your vasectomy reversal surgeon will discuss your options with you before your procedure and may recommend alternatives to reversal procedures, such as MESA, during which sperm are retrieved directly from the testes for IVF.

    Get the answers to all of your questions about vasectomy reversal by making an appointment at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Sarasota . Contact us at (941) 894-6428 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Green today.

  • Debunking the Myth About Vasectomy Reversals and Prostate Cancer

    If you have been considering a vasectomy reversal, then there is a chance you may have encountered a persistent myth regarding vasectomies, reversals, and prostate cancer. Although it is true that some studies in the past have linked vasectomies to higher risks of prostate cancer, newer research has resoundingly confirmed that this is not the case for either vasectomies or vasectomy reversal surgeries.

    This myth has remained around since the studies first surfaced in the early 1990s. However, research has since dispelled this myth. Having a vasectomy—or having a vasectomy reversal—has no impact on your risk of developing prostate cancer. Your vasectomy reversal surgeon can address any concerns you have about this myth during your procedure consultation.

    If you’re wondering if you could be a candidate for vasectomy reversal surgery, make an appointment at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal. Dr. Green in Sarasota is pleased to answer all of your questions about the surgery, from what to expect as you heal to your odds of conceiving after the reversal. To learn more, please call (941) 894-6428.

  • Should We Wait to Announce Our Pregnancy?

    After you’ve dealt with infertility procedures, vasectomy reversals , and other efforts to achieve a pregnancy, when you do conceive, it’s normal to have some mixed feelings about when to share the news. On one hand, you are likely to feel so excited that you want to tell your loved ones the good news so that they can celebrate with you. However, you may also feel hesitant to tell anyone during the early stages of the pregnancy, in case anything goes wrong. Although there is no right answer that works for everyone, here are some things to consider as you decide when to make your announcement.

    Consider Your Need for Support

    During the early stages of a pregnancy, morning sickness and overwhelming fatigue are normal. Many couples find that letting close friends and family members in on the secret in this stage lets them call on their loved ones for support when they need it. Even if there is a problem with the pregnancy, sharing the news at this stage means that you will have a built-in support system should you need it. If you think that you will need help with everyday activities because of the demands of early pregnancy or simply want to know you have emotional support if you need it, you may want to share your news early.

    Look Towards the End of the First Trimester

    Many couples choose to wait for the end of the first trimester to make an announcement for a few reasons. Miscarriages are most likely during this time, so people feel more secure in their pregnancies after getting through it. Women also tend to start showing at this point, so sharing the news will prevent whispers and questions. For couples with histories of miscarriages, being cautious about sharing the news until this stage can be comforting.

    Are you ready to make your dream of starting a family come true? Let Dr. Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal help you find the right solution to male infertility for your needs. Make an appointment with Dr. Green in Sarasota by calling (941) 894-6428.

  • 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 .