As men, we shudder at the thought of any comment that directly brings our manhood into question. Sometimes a problem occurs that can only be labeled as Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Erectile Dysfunction is the inability to achieve or sustain an erection
suitable for sexual intercourse. This is a subject most men don’t like thinking about, let alone discussing it. It is a subject that should not be taken lightly. There are several things that can cause ED, such as poor blood flow to the penis, constant fatigue, and medications, to mention a few. According to Web MD, Erectile Dysfunction affects an estimated 18 million men in the U.S. alone. Although, this can have a devastating mental effect on men, there are ways to treat this condition. For example, Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis are just a few of the medications used to treat ED. Low testosterone level is also a common, associated factor and it is easy to treat. If you are experiencing Erectile Dysfunction, I suggest you contact a physician who specializes in this field.
Why Vasectomy Reversal?
December 13th, 2011Why, if a man has had a vasectomy, would he want to reverse it? Surprisingly, according to the Center for Male Reproductive Medicine, approximately 500,000 men have vasectomies each year. It also acknowledges the fact that, at least 5% of those men will change their minds for reasons such as, remarriage, death of a child, or an improved lifestyle that sometimes create a want for more children. Under these circumstances, men would be required to undergo a Vasovasostomy also known as vasectomy reversal. The surgery has a 99 percent success rate, in the hands of a skilled and Fellowship-trained Vasectomy Reversal Micro Surgeon, like Dr. Buch. Although vasectomy reversal is seldom covered by insurance companies, it is more affordable than you may think. There are several payment options available to you through medical financing. For instance, you could have a vasectomy reversal for as little as $500 down and $217.62 a month (OAC). If you have any further questions or concerns regarding vasectomy reversal, consult your physician.
WiFi and Your Sperm Count
December 9th, 2011Recently, Reuters reported upon the connection between WiFi and male infertility. (Reuters) Naturally this sparked our interest here at Legacy Male Health Institute. Reuters sited a new study from the Journal of Fertility and Sterility, where they found that male sperm count can be reduced because of extensive WiFi laptop use, which
WiFi Use
emits electromagnetic radiation. One issue of concern is when men actually place their laptops on their laps while using them. The study showed that just after 4 hours, there were significant effects on semen. “At present we do not know whether this effect is induced by all laptop computers connected by Wi-Fi to the internet or what use conditions heighten this effect.” (Reuters) This latest discovery has caused a slight panic because we are such a technology driven society. Most of us use our laptops for work, home, school, and leisure. Surprisingly, most men use their laptops as much as they watch television. The last thing we want to hear about is a WiFi enabled device, such as a laptop, creating long-term health problems. “According to the American Urological Association, nearly one in six couples in the US have trouble conceiving a baby, and about half the time the man is at the root of the problem. While the impact of modern technology is still murky, lifestyle does matter, researchers say.” (Reuters) The decision to limit the use of WiFi enabled devices in your lap is your decision, but it is something to keep in mind. If you have questions concerning this topic or your health, please consult your physician. (Legacy Male Health Institute)
Additionally, we should note the following from Dr. Robert Oates, president of the Society for Male Reproduction and Urology. Dr. Oates stated that “he believed the result comes from an artificial setting and has no true relevance. In addition, Oates pointed out that there are no studies linking laptops to fertility rates.”
Testicular Cancer – A Topic for Thought
December 6th, 2011When thinking about the topic of common cancers affecting men, colon and prostate come to mind. There is another form of cancer that is hardly ever discussed, testicular cancer. Most men don’t realize that the testicles can be affected by cancer. Some men may even be embarrassed to discuss the topic. There is no need for men to be silent on this issue, because the more educated we become on testicular cancer, the more we can improve our way of living. Some of the symptoms are, but not limited to, swelling and pain in the testicles. If you feel aches and pains in your abdomen or scrotum, don’t mistake it for a hernia; you may be experiencing early symptoms of testicular cancer. Although testicular cancer is rare, yet like other forms of cancer, early detection and treatment can increase a person’s survival rate. If you have questions about your health, please consult your physician.
Let’s Go Mavs !!
December 1st, 2011Now that the NBA lockout is over, the Dallas Mavericks can get back to doing what they do best, Win! I am glad that the season is starting up on Christmas day. It is better late than never. Being a diehard Mavericks fan, it’s been tough for me to wait for the – Mavs to get back on the court not only to defend their championship, but also to show the non- believers that in 2011, we earned our place at the apogee of the league. There will be so much excitement as the Mavericks dancers come out to warm up the crowd who have waited – patiently to see the champions hit the court. - I am hoping that our – beloved Dallas Mavericks will repeat and become the 2012 NBA champions.
What are the Factors Predicting Successful Microsurgical Vasectomy Reversal?
August 12th, 2011
Vasectomy reversal is possible and, in fact, is the choice many couples make upon deciding to try for a child. Results, however, can vary. While success rates for return of sperm typically range from 75 percent to 86 percent, pregnancy rates are lower, ranging from 45 percent to 70 percent percent. However, the success rates and pregnancy rates are even higher when enlisting the services of a vasectomy reversal expert.
There are several factors that determine a man’s chances of successful reversal; by paying attention to these factors, you can reasonably predict the outcome.
- Length of time since the vasectomy: Typically, the sooner a reversal is initiated, the better. As time passes, the chances of restored fertility do not suddenly drop, as was previously thought. They do, however, follow a downward trend. That said, many men have had successful reversals despite a time lapse as long as 20 years after the initial surgery.
- Prior fertility: Having fathered a child before the vasectomy increases your chances of being able to father a new child after a reversal.
- Prior vasectomy reversal: If a prior reversal has failed, that does not mean that you cannot have a successful reversal. In fact, one study demonstrated that as many as 79 percent of men whose first reversal failed had successful outcomes after another reversal performed by a microsurgical vasectomy reversal specialist.
- Other surgeries: Some surgeries, such as pediatric hernia repair, may cause a secondary vasal obstruction. This can reduce the chances for success.
- Partner: Age of the partner has an impact, since women’s fertility declines with age especially after age 40. However excellent pregnancy rates are achieved when the female partner has normal fertility.
An experienced vasectomy reversal doctor can help you determine whether you are a viable candidate for reversal surgery. However, there are some factors that he will not be aware of until he begins the procedure, such as a secondary blockage in the epididymis. Another factor on which the success of the reversal depends is the quality of the surgeon. There are vast differences between the least qualified, typically General Urologists, all the way to the most qualified fertility fellowship-trained, micro-surgeons.
Dedicated to providing quality care and able to show proven results, Legacy Male Health Institute and Dr. Jeffrey Buch are recognized leaders in the field of vasectomy reversal amongst fertility fellowship trained micro-surgeons. Dr. Buch and his team combine state of the art technology and medical expertise, with truly client-focused care.
Low Testosterone and Vasectomy Reversal
July 29th, 2011By Dr. Jeffrey Buch, Director of Legacy Male Health Institute
Many men in their thirties, forties and fifties develop a progressive decrease in their energy level or their sex drive. Contrary to popular belief, this is not a “natural” part of the aging process. Often this is the result of a low serum testosterone level.
While it is the major male sex hormone,
testosterone also plays important roles in male health beyond simply providing for one’s sex drive or libido. Men with low testosterone (“T”) complain most often of low energy and a feeling of melancholy, some even complaining of significant depression. We, here at Legacy Male Health Institute, see this in many of our vasectomy reversal clients as well.
However, for men who experience low-T but wish to maintain their fertility, simply supplying extra testosterone is not good. Testosterone therapy is known to shut down the brain’s chemical stimulation of the testicles, resulting in severely decreased sperm count. In these cases, we recommend treating the condition with either Clomiphene or Tamoxifen, which stimulates the pituitary gland to release gonadotropins. This, in turn, stimulates the testicles to produce more testosterone in a “sperm-friendly” way. Often, the sperm counts will increase.
Side effects are minimal, but our experience has shown that the weak estrogenic effects of these pills at the brain level result in reduced sex drive in 10 percent of such cases. This reverses when the patient stops taking the pills. In approximately 80 percent of such cases, this treatment results in improved T levels and the symptoms of low Testosterone subside. It is also necessary to monitor estrogen levels, and in some cases administer an anti-estrogen pill, Anastrazole, in addition to either Clomiphene or Tamoxifen.
If a side effect such as reduced libido occurs or if the patient’s condition fails to respond to the pills, then weekly injections of HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) may work. In fact, we have successfully used HCG to restore fertility in many men who used anabolic steroids in their younger years.
The quality of life improves dramatically for men who are treated for low Testosterone, regardless of whether a vasectomy reversal is involved. However, when fertility needs to be preserved, it is crucial for men to consult an expert in male fertility who understands reproductive hormones in detail. Please visit us at www.vasectomyreversal.com for more information.
Key Differences Between Urologist and Microsurgical Vasectomy Reversal Doctor
July 19th, 2011
The decision to undergo a vasectomy reversal is usually not an easy decision for a couple to make. Often the decision is made after a divorce or death of a spouse, but there are times when a couple seeks information on reversing a vasectomy simply due to a change in circumstances allowing them the ability to increase their family. Before having a vasectomy reversal, it is important to understand the difference between a urologist, like the one who performed your vasectomy and a microsurgical vasectomy reversal doctor.
Training and Experience
Most urologists are taught during residency training to perform vasectomy reversals. However, a microsurgical vasectomy reversal doctor undergoes 1 to 2 years of additional, intensive training beyond urology residency. Most urologists are known as general urologists and less than 2% pursue training in microsurgery. General urologists treat a wide variety of medical problems such as prostate problems, kidney stones and bladder issues, while most microsurgical vasectomy reversal doctors focus entirely on male reproductive and infertility problems.
Male Fertility Problems
The majority of microsurgical vasectomy reversal doctors treat other forms of male infertility as well. Male infertility can be caused by a number of factors, including blockages and underlying medical problems. More than 50% of them can be treated successfully, often without invasive methods. Because they focus on male reproduction issues, these types of surgeons offer a higher vasectomy reversal success rate. This is important as the first attempt is usually the best, and sometimes the only, chance at reversing a vasectomy.
Follow-Up Care
Microsurgical vasectomy reversal doctors also offer a much more thorough follow-up care program. Scar tissue can close off successful reversals in 5 to 15% of cases (www.vasectomyreversal.com/blog/ ). By conducting follow-up semen exams for a longer period of time after a vasectomy reversal, microscopic healing problems can be discovered and treated, often with medications.
Deciding to undergo a vasectomy reversal is an important decision. Equally important is choosing the right doctor to perform that procedure. Whether you need a male infertility doctor or are considering a vasectomy reversal, visit www.vasectomyreversal.com in order to learn what options are available for your situation.
Top Three Reasons to Choose a Microsurgical Vasectomy Doctor
July 14th, 2011Vasectomy reversals are far more complicated than the vasectomy itself and, although all urologists are trained how to perform a reversal, the doctor who did your vasectomy may not be the best choice for performing your vasectomy reversal. In order to increase the vasectomy reversal success rate, you should discuss your options with a microsurgical vasectomy reversal doctor.
Experienced in Complex Microsurgery
Vasectomy reversals are highly complex, delicate surgeries which require the use of surgical microscopes and microscopic sutures. The procedure can take as much as 4 hours and should be performed by someone who is specially trained in microsurgery. This provides for a greater vasectomy reversal success rate.
Specialize in Male Infertility
Several factors may cause male infertility and many microsurgical vasectomy reversal doctors offer treatments for those causes. Blockages, varicocele, low sperm count or poor sperm motility are some underlying reasons for male infertility, as well as undiagnosed medical conditions. More than 50% of all male infertility cases are treatable (www.vasectomyreversal.com/blog/).
Sperm Cryopreservation
As an added option, many microsurgical vasectomy reversal doctors also offer sperm cryopreservation. This option allows men to freeze sperm at the time of reversal should the vasectomy reversal be unsuccessful and should the couple need to use in-vitro fertilization. This option is also available to men who are contemplating having a vasectomy as added fertility insurance, prior to the vasectomy
Since vasectomy reversal requires more skill than a vasectomy, it is important to choose a doctor with the additional experience and training in microsurgery that a microsurgical vasectomy reversal doctor has to offer. A specialist of this type can provide many options for male infertility and could arrange for sperm cryopreservation as an added choice for couples who are seeking fertility assistance. For more information regarding microsurgical vasectomy reversal doctors, visit www.vasectomyreversal.com.
Five Biggest Impacts on Cost of Vasectomy Reversal
June 29th, 2011Many men who chose vasectomies at a relatively young age are now learning that a vasectomy reversal is possible. Many times, couples inquire about vasectomy reversal after a divorce or the death of a spouse, or in some cases, the couple may have just had a change of heart about having more children. Refinement of microscopic surgery techniques have increased vasectomy reversal success rates tremendously, allowing couples to add to their family without using in-vitro fertilization. However, the procedure is considered elective surgery by most insurance companies, and the surgery can be expensive. Rates for vasectomy reversals can run from $3,000 to $12,000 dollars. There are several reasons why the reversal surgery costs this much.
Results Are Rarely Guaranteed
Unfortunately, even with the current high success rates for the surgery in the hands of the true specialists, not all reversals are successful. A couple may go through the healing from the procedure, as well as the high cost of a vasectomy reversal, only to learn that they still cannot conceive without other methods.
Procedure Requires More Skill than Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a relatively simple procedure that is usually performed in the doctor’s office. A vasectomy reversal is a complicated procedure that can take up to 4 hours to perform. In addition, the procedure is best performed in a surgery center as an outpatient rather than in the doctor’s office. The facility stay, surgeon fees, anesthesia, specialized equipment and medications all add to the cost of vasectomy reversals.
Reversal Specialists Are Highly Trained
Although most urologists are taught how to perform a vasectomy reversal, the procedure is extremely delicate and complicated. Therefore, to increase vasectomy reversal success rates, it is important to locate a physician who specializes in this type of surgery. It is important, however, to choose a vasectomy reversal specialist in order to achieve success (www.vasectomyreversal.com/blog/)
Length of Time Since Vasectomy
As time passes, blockages can form in the vas deferens or in the epididymis, the tube connecting the vas deferens and the testicle. The chance of this type of blockage forming increases significantly if the vasectomy was performed more than 10 years ago. If there is an epididymis blockage, the doctor must perform a vasoepididymostomy, which may increase the cost of the vasectomy reversal.
Microscopic Surgery
The main reason for the cost of vasectomy reversal is that the surgery requires the use of high tech surgical microscopes and microscopic sutures in order to increase the rate of success. The surgery is time consuming and delicate, so that microsurgical vasectomy reversal doctors must spend additional time training on the equipment. Therefore, the doctor fees will be significantly higher with skilled microsurgeons.
Vasectomy reversal is possible with the refinement of microscopic surgeries and improvements in vasoepididymostomies. The cost is sometimes prohibitive for couples, but the addition of a child to their families is well worth the investment. It is important to discuss all options with a male infertility doctor in order to make an informed decision. For more information about the cost of vasectomy reversals, visit www.vasectomyreversal.com.