fbpx

Tag Archives: vas reversal atlanta

After the Vasectomy Bullet Points

You have had your vasectomy…here are some “after the procedure” instructions and a heads up on potential issues that are peculiar to  having a vasectomy.

  • The small opening at the midline of the upper strotum does not have a suture and will close on its own.  A thin film of Neosporin ointment daily is recommended. Any spotting/oozing is usually corrected with pressure to the incision site for 30 minutes.
  • You can shower the day after the procedure, but don’t let water hit the procedure site directly.
  • Ice to the scrotum after the procedure helps with swelling and with discomfort. (Lidocaine is used at the opening and along the course of the vas tubes so there is anesthesia for an hour or so after the procedure.)
  • You’ll be given something for pain, this is to be used in an “as needed fashion.” If you don’t have pain, don’t take it or use Advil or Aleve. Taking a half a pill is acceptable.
  • Try to be off your feet with the scrotum elevated strictly for the first 24 hours and then as much as possible for the next two days. Most patient who have the procedure on a Thursday or Friday take it easy over the weekend and return to work on Monday. If you have a strenuous job, you may want to gradually get back into your routine.
  • For the first week after the vasectomy, compression underwear to stabilize the scrotum and elevation of the scrotum with a rolled sheet when sitting can reduce any swelling.
  • No sexual activity for one week.
  • No unprotected sexual activity until we have evaluated two negative specimens. It takes approximately 25 ejaculations to clear the tube beyond the vasectomy site. (A couple can achieve pregnancy if there is unprotected sexual activity before the sperm has completely cleared.) We recommend evaluation of specimens as a rule at 6-8 weeks.  It is not about the time since the vasectomy, it is about the number of ejaculations.
  • Even though the opening is in the middle of the upper scrotum, the vasectomy sites are on the left and right underneath the skin. Discomfort, bruising or asymmetrical swelling is not uncommon, but should slowly improve over several days.
  • Each patient is given two specimen containers after the procedure and there are several options regarding checking the post-vasectomy specimen.  Dr. McHugh examines semen specimens with a microscope at no expense. (The best days for dropping off the specimen is Monday, Wednesday and Friday-but it best to call to be sure he is available to examine.) For out of town patients, specimens can be taken to a local hospital for a “post vasectomy” semen analysis (we can fax an order) or use online test kits such as spermcheck.com.
  • It is not unusual, maybe 5-10% of specimens, will have a rare sperm. This just means that more time/ejaculations are necessary to completely clear all of the sperm. We will require two consecutive completely negative evaluations.
  • There are no special instructions about the specimen. If you obtain the specimen in the morning and drop off later in the day, this is not a problem. We are not doing a formal count, only the presence of absence of sperm. We will call you back with the results that day.

Concerns you may have after the procedure-How to contact us.

  • If any issues arise that you have questions about, feel free to contact us using the form below.
  • We will be happy to speak to you (770) 535-0000 or if you feel it is necessary, we will arrange for an examination  in the office at no expense to you.
  • Our email: ngurology@gmail.com (Dr. McHugh replies on weekends!)
  • You also can utilize our text to email option. (You text your comment/concern and it comes immediately to our email.  We check our email numerous times a day and on weekends.)  The response comes back to you as a text. Here’s the number: 770-376-5616

Thank you for allowing us to participate in your care.

Myths about Vasectomy Reversal

The following is from a vasectomy reversal doctor in England. The process is similar to but not exactly the same as at Georgia Vasectomy Reversal, however it is informative and adds to the data base of the couple contemplating a vasectomy reversal.

Vasectomy reversal myths debunked

If you decide to undergo a vasectomy reversal, having accurate information at your fingertips will ensure you are as informed as possible. Here are some of the most popular myths associated with reversing a vasectomy.

If you’re too old, you can’t have a vasectomy reversal

The reality is, a vasectomy reversal can be performed at any age, so long as an individual is healthy enough to undergo the treatment.

A vasectomy reversal rarely works after 10 years

This is a popular misconception and is based on outdated studies. Modern techniques used today have increased the vasectomy reversal success rate even if the original vasectomy was performed years ago. Even after about 20 years, you still stand an 84% chance of success following a vasectomy reversal.

Anti-sperm antibodies cause infertility even after a vasectomy reversal

It is widely believed that anti-sperm antibodies attack healthy sperm following a reversal and can cause infertility. In actual fact, antibodies are present in the blood and not in sperm following a vasectomy reversal, so are normally not responsible for any fertility problems that may arise following the procedure.

IVF is a better option than vasectomy reversal

You will need to weigh up the pros and cons of choosing IVF or vasectomy reversal, but there are many benefits to choosing reversing a vasectomy over IVF. For starters, a vasectomy reversal is a quick, single procedure that has good success rates, enabling you to conceive a baby naturally. In contrast, IVF is a gruelling process that often requires several attempts to increase the chance of success. The cost of a vasectomy reversal is also much lower compared to IVF procedures. Bear in mind also that there is a greater chance of multiple pregnancies when opting for IVF, so if you are only hoping for one baby, a vasectomy reversal is easily a better option.

Vasectomy reversal successes are the same whoever you choose

This is not the case at all. Doctors and standards vary, so if you want to achieve the best results possible choose a surgeon who is specialised in vasectomy reversal and has extensive experience. Mr Harriss has many years of experience and is available to answer any questions that you may have.

 

Vasectomy reversal-Loupes vs. Microscope?

Cardiac_surgeon_wearing_loupes

Atlanta—If you’re going to perform a vasectomy reversal, use a microscope. Despite the additional time and cost involved, microsurgical vasovasostomy is superior to the loupe-assisted macroscopic technique, findings from a recent study from Korea confirm.
In the retrospective study from Bundang CHA Hospital in Sungnam, researchers found a 24% higher patency rate in patients who underwent microsurgical vasovasostomy using 9-0 nylon compared with those who underwent a loupe-assisted technique using 8-0 nylon. However, the improved patency rate of the microsurgical technique did come at the expense of a significantly longer operation time than that of the loupe-assisted approach. Read More…

Dr. McHugh uses a Zeiss operating microscope in our accredited ambulatory surgery center. Contact us for a free consultation.

Request an appointment 24/7-We’ll return your call the next business day.

sandras grandson.png

 

First Vasectomy in America? 1897

warning-vasectomy

Click on Image to Visit Northeast Georgia’s Vasectomy Page

Interesting Facts about a Vasectomy and Vasectomy Reversals

The First Microscopic Vasectomy Reversal?

Technical advances in vasectomy reversal mirror those in microsurgery over the past 100 years. As a discipline, microsurgery was first performed by Carl Nylen in Sweden for middle ear surgery in 1910, but grew most rapidly as a discipline in the 20th century stimulated by its success in microvascular reconstruction of war-injured soldiers.

The first microsurgical vasectomy reversal was performed by Earl Owen in 1971.

Why do you wait 3-4 months to check for sperm atfter a vasectomy reversal?

135449-004-F2AB0A3F

  • The time from the vasectomy to the reversal is one of the most important factors in the reversal’s success.
  • The longer the interval the more effect of the vasectomy obstructing the natural course of things in the testicle has on sperm quality.
  • Determining how much negative effect has occurred as result of the vasectomy on the quality and quantity is variable and usually based on the time interval.
  • Assuming that because a vasectomy can potentially “shut down” production of normal sperm, the testicles, after a reversal, have to readjust and begin to produce sperm again.
  • The chart above shows the maturation of sperm in the testicle.
  • This process usually takes about three months.
  • So, if the testicles have stopped producing sperm and the obstruction of the vasectomy is corrected by the reversal, then it would take about three months for normal sperm to complete the maturation process and be seen in the ejaculate.
  • So this is why many reversal doctors tell their patients not to consider submitting a specimen for the presence of sperm after a reversal for at least 3-4 months.
  • It you submit a specimen at three months and there are no sperm, that is disappointing, but in many patients it may take up to a year for the testicles to resume their normal activity.
  • I have had patients with no sperm in the ejaculate at six months and achieved pregnancy at one year.

Overview of a Vasectomy Reversal

Adobe Voice Video of Beginning the Vasectomy Reversal Process

The first step is making the decision to have one and the next is scheduling a free consultation to learn all about the procedure and how factors specific to you affect the success rates.

770-535-0001 ext. 112 and we  will guide you through the process.

After a vasectomy reversal…What type of scrotal support?

index

Well you might think this is an odd question. Well…it is probably the most commonly asked and the first question in the post-op area asked by the wife. Tighty whities or  boxer briefs are the most common “supports” mentioned as potentially being suitable for the post-reversal male.

The problem with the traditional “jock strap” and the above mentioned supports is that they just don’t add the compression and lack of movement of the testicles necessary to facilitate immobilizing the newly repaired vas deferens.

Nothing fits the bill better than a pair of athletic compression shorts as seen above. The male can begin wearing the day after the procedure and throughout the 3-4 week post-operative non sexual activity period necessary to allow the vasectomy reversal to heal appropriately.

Okay…you think this was an odd thing to spend a post on, but just wait…it will be on your mind as the first question after the surgery…that is after, ” When can we have sex?”

As a side note-this type of compression shorts are excellent for the post-vasectomy patient as well.

Microscopic Vasectomy Reversal-How big is a micron?

how-big-is-a-micron

So why is an operating microscope necessary for reversing a vasectomy?

Well…

The thickness of a strand of hair is 100 microns.

The outside thickness of the vas deferens is about 2 mm and the lumen of the vas (the part of the vas that is connected with the reversal procedure and the tube that sperm travels) averages about .56 mm.

The suture used used for the procedure is 70 -100 microns, i.e. the suture is about the diameter of the human hair.

So…12 or so sutures the size of hair is used to join a tube that is that is less than a millimeter in diameter.

1000 microns equals a millimeter.

Of note: The suture that is usually be used to close an incision after an abdominal procedure would be bigger than the tube in which sperm travels in the vas deferens.

Very small sutures must be used to connect very small openings if there is going to be enough room after connecting the tubes for sperm to travel in their quest to achieve pregnancy.

And now…you know the rest of the story-and why…size does matter.

Can you correct a vasectomy with a vasectomy reversal?

39bb6928e1c930a935046397f62ef6f5

Yes a vasectomy  can be reversed with a microscopic vasectomy reversal…but that really isn’t the issue. The real question is if a vasectomy is reversed what are the chances that it will be successful?

The answer is multifactorial and dependent on the age of the male and female, how long ago was the vasectomy done, the reproductive health of the female, the surgical reconnection of the vas deferens staying open after they are rejoined, and finally the quality of the semen produced after the reversal. All of these factors explain why the patency of the procedure (presence of sperm) and the pregnancy (it worked) of the procedure differ.

Yes you can send a boy to college but you can’t make him think

and yes you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink.

Yes you can reverse a vasectomy but that don’t guarantee no baby

It’s about if it will result in success and that my friend is a big maybe!

Reversal Rates Based on the Time Since Vasectomy

Less than 3 years  Patency 97% Pregnancy 76%

3-8 years             Patency 88% Pregnancy 53%

9-14 years           Patency 79% Pregnancy 44%

Greater than 15 years Patency 71% Pregnancy 30%

Belker AM, et al. Results of 1,469 microsurgical vasectomy reversals by the Vasovasostomy Study Group. Journal of Urology 1991; 145(3):505-11.

Matt Babcock
Matt Babcock
2023-09-12
As someone who battles anxiety (especially around medical stuff), the idea of a vasectomy was unpleasant to say the least. At my initial consult, Dr. McHugh addressed my anxiety immediately and reassured me with a very clear picture of what to expect as well as options to ease my nerves on the day of the procedure. I ended up electing to receive nitrous (laughing gas) in addition to some anxiety medication to take prior to arriving. From the moment I walked in the door on the day of, the staff were beyond friendly, caring, and efficient. They even let me select music to listen to during the procedure. It was evident that Dr. McHugh and his staff genuinely cared about me and making the procedure as comfortable as possible according to my specific needs. It could not have been a better experience!
Bobby Tate
Bobby Tate
2023-09-10
Great experience with Dr.McHugh and staff perfectly orchestrated from initial consultation to procedure. Highly recommend.
Alex Torres
Alex Torres
2023-09-09
Staff and procedure went effortless
The Energy Hero
The Energy Hero
2023-09-05
The best doctor for vasectomy in the business! Dr McHugh and his team made this process comfortable from start to finish. They are very caring and professional. I would highly recommend this office when you decide to get the snip snip.
jamie carver
jamie carver
2023-09-05
Great experience from beginning to end.
Jason Sutton
Jason Sutton
2023-09-04
Amazing and professional staff. They provided a lot of information regarding the procedure and recovery. No surprises beforehand or afterwards. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a vasectomy.
todd marcum
todd marcum
2023-08-31
Simply amazing, very professional ,friendly and sincere.The procedure was painless and very fast.Thank you for an awesome experience.
Cody Garrison
Cody Garrison
2023-08-28
Would definitely recommend to anyone needing a vasectomy or vasectomy reversal. Dr. McHugh and his staff are very professional and take the utmost care of their patients. After my surgery I was contacted twice by Dr. McHugh’s office just checking in on me. I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to have more children, and I look forward to sharing pictures of a successful vasectomy reversal.
Jason Walton
Jason Walton
2023-08-26
My experience was great, every step was quick and easy. The entire staff was very friendly and helpful, made the process much smoother. I would definitely recommend anyone considering a vasectomy to chose to go here.
Shawn Zagarella
Shawn Zagarella
2023-08-21
I give the whole experience a 10/10. Everything from start to finish was excellent, and the whole staff is comforting. I wouldn't recommend anyone else other than Dr. McHugh and his team.

Worth the Wait!

Ga Vasectomy Reversal Success Story

“Good afternoon. I had my reversal done May 2022. We now have a very healthy, beautiful little girl. Born 8/21/23!”

A honey of a Georgia reversal success!

vasectomy reversal baby with honey cap

” I was one of Dr McHughs patients about 1 year ago.   I was emailing to let you all know the operation was a success.  We now have a one week old baby boy.   Thank you all for everything! ”  D.C.

Atlanta Ga Vasectomy reversal success baby

A Reversal “Thumbs Up!”

vasectomy reversal baby and siblings

Kalani was born December 31, 2022 at home under the care of a midwife and nurse at 8:11 pm. It was magical as the fireworks from the New Years celebrations exploded outside along the Florida coastline on a foggy sort of mystical night. Our boys are so in love with their baby sister!

No need to test a specimen…We’re Pregnant!

Atlanta GA Vasectomy Reversal Success! Thank you picture and congratulations!

 

Vasectomy Reversal Baby Success

Vasectomy Reversal Logo

Vasectomy Reversal Success

Cooper Knox

Vasectomy Reversal Success!

 

Vasectomy Reversal Baby Success

Thanks for coming by the office with the blessed news…on your way home from the hospital! Congratulations.

 

Dr. McHugh with mother and father reversal baby

Dr. McHugh with vasectomy reversal success baby

Blessed vasectomy reversal success!

Vasectomy Reversal Baby

“Seven months after the vasectomy we were expecting our new daughter.  We cannot thank the practice enough and highly recommend them!”

Vasectomy Reversal baby

Our little Pumpkin!

Vasectomy reversal baby.

Dr. McHugh, my husband had his vasectomy reversed 10/7/21 and we had our sweet baby girl 9/29/22!! Here’s some pictures of our beautiful girl.   H.S.

Vasectomy reversal baby

Wonderful Addition!

Vasectomy Reversal

Thank you so much for my husband’s successful reversal that you performed in October 2021. We found out we were expecting in the beginning of January and our son was born on September 7th.

Jen and Kristafur

 

Thankful for Dr. McHugh’s talent and the whole experience!

vasectomy reversal baby

Dr. McHugh is very thorough and answered any questions we had prior to surgery. His team was very kind and thorough post surgery as well, following up via phone and email to be sure my husband had the best recovery he could. Our chances for conceiving were less than 50% and we just had our daughter a month before the one year mark from surgery. Leanna T.     September  2022

 

“A beautiful gift from God”

Thank you for the 5 Star Vasectomy Reviews.

Vasectomy Reversal: 0 Sperm to 66 Million!

Reversal easier than the vasectomy? Thank you!

Reversal success times two!

We try to make it “fun!”

“Dr. McHugh is loads of fun. Really nice guy. Excellent staff. Easy, short, and (mostly) painless procedure. Great practice here.”  D.D.
Georgia Vasectomy/ Vasectomy Reversal -John Clay McHugh M.D.
Thank you so much for the positive feedback. Enjoyed comparing “Beatles Trivia!” I hope you do well. John McHugh
McHugh No Scalpel Vasectomy

Happy result in Tennessee!

This is Shawn and Jayna Porter. We are writing to let you all know that surgery was a success and we’d like to send you all pictures of our new addition! Harper Quinn Porter.

Thank you back!

Dr. McHugh and his wonderful staff are without a doubt the best in the industry.

“You and your staff were wonderful! I love the relaxed and laid back atmosphere that y’all provided especially the Music! Definitely helped my anxiety. Thank you.”

Blessing after ten year successful vasectomy reversal!

I appreciate everyone’s friendliness and kindness during the multiple office visits and surgery center procedure. Thank you for the good care you gave me!

P.H.

Even after a miscarriage, with time, prayers and of course a great surgeon we now have a healthy 7lbs 2oz  baby boy! Thank you.

Hannah M.

Thank you!

“You were very professional!”

Thank you!

Review - 3 - Social Post

eb955c744a627e39362ecb27f16de78f (1)

3

img_2402-4

20180727_112100

Two for the price of one!

dcaa384245311610c4713ec09f1d0c5a

a vasectomy reversal success

After extensive research, we found that the technique performed by Dr. McHugh was the best fit for us. It was the least invasive, and offered the fastest recovery. Dr. McHugh & his team delivered a high caliber of service & comfort for me, & I am extremely thankful for his practice.

Naomi  was born just 12 months after having my surgery, & we couldn’t be happier with our newest addition! 

R.P.

 

Thank you Dr. McHugh and staff!

img_0386-1

Welcome…Ella Grace.

Success!

img_3278

Thanks for dropping by!

Reversal success story!

What a delightful surprise!

Dr. McHugh is the best! Our family was also blessed by his surgical expertise.


Fantastic bedside manner, office and surgical staff were top notch. This coming from a nurse of 12 years. I was never nervous or uncomfortable. (Microscopic Vasectomy Reversal)

large loga ngua

Stephen

Thank you!

I had my vasectomy reversal in February 2018 and my wife got pregnant in May 2018, only 3 months later! The service and attention received before, during and after the procedure was excellent. The team was very warm and super easy to work with.

My wife and I are happy to announce that we are now expecting in March of 2020. This wouldn’t be possible without Dr. McHugh and his amazing staff! Thank y’all!

We are happy to report that we are pregnant! Thank you to all of you who participated in our care, especially Dr. McHugh. We are so pleased and excited.

With time, prayers and of course a great surgeon we now have a healthy baby boy! Thank you!

Twice as Nice!

My husband asked questions ahead of time and from friends that previously had the procedure. He felt confident going in and completely comfortable during the procedure. Highly recommend them.

cropped-img_3111.jpg

Dr. McHugh is the one you should see. We HIGHLY recommend him! Thank you so much again to him and all of his staff. INCREDIBLE!

image

Pretty in Pink

Another happy reversal result!

Is the No Scalpel Vasectomy a gimmick? Yes and No.

miltex-no-scalpel-vasectomy-ring-clamp-5-5-29-805-mltx29-805-70b

The very first vasectomy ever performed probably isolated the vas deferens, cut out a section and then destroyed the cut ends. This has the effect of a double whammy to assure sterility. How the ends are destroyed or closed is myriad-clips, suture, fulguration, folding the vas on itself and tying- doesn’t really matter in terms of the long-term success rates.

When I learned to do a vasectomy as a resident in the 1980’s, we made a fourth of an inch midline scrotal incision and brought the vas to the surface with a instrument called a towel clip. It had two fine pointed ends and was used to hold towels in place to isolate the surgical field. This instrument was adapted to many functions in surgery and in urology was the device of choice for a vasectomy.

The China Method or the No scalpel method introduced two instruments. One is the fine pointed hemostat which is used to spread the skin for the vasectomy opening. (So there is still an opening but you did not use a scalpel to make it-whoopee do.)

The fine pointed hemostat is also used to open the vas sheathing without having to incise it with a knife once the vas has been isolated and brought to the skin.

This is where the grasper is used. The opening is smaller-a grain of rice in length- and the grasper allows for the urologist to easily grasp and bring the vas to the skin to perform the procedure.

The story line goes that the procedure has a smaller opening, that the opening heals better because the skin has been spread and not cut, the procedure can be done quicker  because of these instruments, and that the patients do better with less heal time and fewer complications.

So is it a gimmick? Well it is a better procedure now because of these instruments, but we still identify, cut and destroy. You can decide if all this fuss in nomenclature warrants “spreading” is better than “cutting” an opening that is less than a centimeter in length.

No Scalpel does have a ring to it I must admit. The No Needle vasectomy is another story; I’ll do that at another time.

Of note, these same two instruments are also very useful in preparing the post vasectomy vas for the microscopic vasectomy reversal.

Helping families with a blessed addition with vasectomy reversal.

Call Now Button
%d bloggers like this: