• 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.

  • 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.