Category Archives: Sperm health 

In Case You’re Still Worried, Latest Research Shows Vasectomy Reversals Aren’t Related to Prostate Cancer | Minneapolis & St. Paul

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The fear of increasing one’s risk of prostate cancer has stopped some men from undergoing a vasectomy or vasectomy reversal, thanks to old ’90s research that has since been refuted. We touched upon this topic in an earlier blog post, but new research has surfaced to confirm, once again, that prostate cancer and vasectomy-related procedures are NOT correlated.

Curtin University in Western Australia recently released research in The Journal of Urology that observed 10,000 men worldwide who had undergone vasectomy reversals. The paper, spearheaded by Dr. Sean Randall of Curtin University’s Centre for Data Linkage, examined the theory that “if a vasectomy is considered a cause of prostate cancer, then vasectomy reversal should hypothetically decrease the risk of prostate cancer.”

However, Randall confirmed that his team’s studies failed to find any sort of link between vasectomy reversals and prostate cancer, thereby also concluding that there is “no clinically meaningful relationship between men who had had vasectomies and the rate of prostate cancer.”

The paper studied 684,660 men with vasectomies in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, including 9,754 men with vasectomy reversals, from 1972 to 2016.

Thanks to Curtin University’s research and similar studies from other institutions, the myth of increased prostate cancer risk following a vasectomy is quickly fading away. For those considering a vasectomy or vasectomy reversal, this is an extremely significant development that can help more men accurately weigh their options.

Looking for a vasectomy or vasectomy reversal consultation? Let us know! Call us at (952) 922-2151, or visit our Edina office at 6545 France Avenue South, Suite 290.

 

Managing the Unpleasant Effects of Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome (PVPS) | Minneapolis & St. Paul

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One of the biggest risks and potential effects of undergoing a vasectomy procedure is to succumb to post-vasectomy pain syndrome (PVPS), a condition affecting roughly one out of every 1,000 men who opt for the surgery. Unlike acute post-surgical pain that can last two to four weeks, PVPS symptoms can persist for months or even years after completion of the vasectomy.

This long-term pain, as you can imagine, can be truly debilitating and impact one’s quality of life. Defined as “constant or intermittent testicular pain for three months or longer with a severity that interferes with daily activities prompting the patient to seek medical treatment,” PVPS becomes even more frustrating when you consider how little is known about its treatment options. Despite a recent increase in men suffering from PVPS, a widely accepted protocol for evaluation and treatment has yet to be implemented.

However, there are a few ways to go about managing PVPS symptoms based on the severity of the patient’s pain. There are both non-surgical and surgical options, the latter typically being a last resort.
 

Non-Surgical Options

Oral Anti-Inflammatories – Ketorolac or ibuprofen can help with pain and inflammation of the vas deferens and epididymis (sperm duct)

Physical Therapy – Can help ease pelvic pain and discomfort that arises from testicular pain

Spermatic Cord Anesthetic Block (SCAB)– Combines numbing medicine and a steroid anti-inflammatory to work as an anesthesia for scrotal pain
 

Surgical Options

Vasectomy Reversal – Straightforward method to undo the intended effects of the original vasectomy procedure, which should include any related side effects/pain (but this will make the patient fertile again)

Epididymectomy – Removes the epididymis (sperm duct) entirely so that any sperm blockage/inflammation is no longer a factor (but this also permanently prevents any chance of fatherhood or vasectomy reversal)

Microscopic spermatic cord denervation – Newer surgical method that decreases PVPS pain by removing all nerves that run adjacent to the spermatic cord, almost like a surgical version of the SCAB method above (maintains patient’s sterility)
 
If you think you’re suffering from PVPS or experiencing any prolonged post-vasectomy pain, contact your doctor immediately for an evaluation.

 

Is Ouabain the Key to Male Birth Control? | Minneapolis & St. Paul

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A safe, oral contraceptive pill for men has yet to be made available, but recent research on ouabain, an ancient African arrow poison, may be the key to developing the ever elusive male birth control.

Led by a small team of scientists from the Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development at the University of Minnesota, the search for a non-hormonal male birth control pill ultimately zeroed in on the toxic substance known as ouabain. Found in two types of African plants, ouabain was traditionally used as poison on hunting arrows and is sometimes medically used to treat heart arrhythmias.

In addition to disrupting ion-transporting proteins in cardiac tissue, ouabain is known to affect a transporter subunit found only in sperm cells, an integrin called α4. Because α4 plays a major role in male fertility, research has focused on developing an ouabain-based contraceptive that would specifically bind to the α4 protein and disrupt sperm motility.

This newly created derivative compound, designed to target α4 proteins in sperm cells, has successfully interfered with the cells’ ability to swim and fertilize eggs—without any signs of toxicity when tested on rats. Moreover, the contraceptive effect should, hypothetically, also be reversible since the α4 protein is only found in mature sperm cells.

While there’s still plenty of testing left to do before this pill hits the market, current studies have been extremely promising. The University of Minnesota researchers plan to test the effectiveness of their ouabain-based compound in animal mating trials before moving on to toxicology and safety pharmacology studies. If all goes well, human clinical trials may launch within five years.

A safe, reversible male birth control pill is clearly within reach!

 

This One Nutrient May Help Improve Male Fertility | Minneapolis & St. Paul

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If you’re looking for a natural, inexpensive way of boosting sperm quality and overall fertility, the answer may lie within…tomatoes?

Recent studies have shown that lycopene, a natural, plant-derived carotenoid pigment that provides the red color of tomatoes, watermelon and other fruits, contains powerful antioxidants that protect the body’s cells—including sperm. Lycopene acts to prevent free radicals from attaching to and harming our cells, which in turn can help increase sperm count and improve the body’s overall immune system. On the flip side, men who consume low amounts of lycopene tend to have lower overall sperm quality.

According to Life Extension magazine, one study showed that after being given two milligrams of lycopene twice daily, male subjects with impaired fertility showed improved sperm concentration, improved motility and improved numbers of normal sperm forms. Furthermore, 23 percent of the subjects achieved fatherhood.

Found mostly in sun-ripened tomatoes, lycopene can be consumed through processed tomato products (contains the highest amount of lycopene), pink grapefruits, watermelons, apricots, guavas, papayas and rose hips. Canned tomatoes used to make pasta or pizza sauce, as well as ketchup, may be your best bet in consuming a larger amount of lycopene in one sitting. In terms of manufactured options, lycopene is mostly available in capsule and softgel form, with dosage guidelines from manufacturers ranging from 10-30 mg twice daily. Multivitamin and multimineral products are also available.

 

8 Foods That Boost Sperm Health and Male Fertility | Minneapolis & St. Paul

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If you’re trying to conceive, good diet and nutrition habits are essential for healthy sperm development. While overall sperm count is an important aspect of male fertility, the sheer number of sperm shouldn’t be the only factor considered. Sperm vitality is what we’re after, so the following must all be factored in:

  • Sperm Count: The number and concentration of sperm cells in a sample

  • Semen Volume: A minimum amount of semen needed to actually deliver the sperm cells

  • Sperm Morphology: The size and shape of sperm cells

  • Sperm Motility: Ability of the sperm cells to properly “swim”

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    To improve sperm quality and boost your chances of conception, eat more of the eight nutrition-packed foods below:

    1. Walnuts

    Walnuts are PACKED with omega-3 fatty acids and zinc. While omega-3 helps enhance sperm count, morphology and motility, zinc works to regulate overall sperm count and quality. Just one handful of walnuts daily can help boost sperm quality.

    2. Tomatoes

    We detailed the link between tomatoes and male fertility in a previous post and continue to stand by this food’s high amount of Vitamin C and lycopene. Lycopene has been shown to improve sperm motility and can be found more in cooked tomatoes.

    3. Green, leafy vegetables

    Spinach, romaine lettuce, brussels sprouts, asparagus—they’re full of folate, a B vitamin linked to healthy sperm DNA and higher sperm densities.

    4. Fish

    Fish and seafood contain lots of Vitamin B-12, a nutrient that enhances sperm motility, increases sperm count and reduces damage to sperm DNA. Fish also provides Vitamin D and the antioxidant Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).

    5. Dark Chocolate

    In addition to tasting great, dark chocolate can help increase sperm volume and sperm count. After consumption, the chocolate transforms into nitric oxide, which promotes sperm function.
     
    6. Meat/Poultry

    Meat and poultry contain an amino acid known as D-aspartic acid, which is believed to help regulate testosterone. There’s research suggesting that sodium D-aspartic acid supplements can increase sperm count and motility.

    7. Lentils

    Just like green vegetables, lentils are rich in folate. Men with lower folate intakes have been shown to have higher rates of sperm chromosomal abnormalities.

    8. Ginseng

    It has long been believed that ginseng root and ginseng supplements can improve sperm development. Ginsenoside, an active ingredient in ginseng, may stimulate nitric oxide production, and men who take ginseng supplements appear to have higher sperm counts and increased sperm motility.

     

    Shake Off Your Concerns About Vasectomy-Related Birth Defects | Minneapolis & St. Paul

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    A question that occasionally comes up regarding vasectomy reversals is whether or not the reversal increases the chance of future birth defects. Considering the lack of studies on this topic, it’s a completely warranted concern for couples who are planning their futures and who might find the potential risk unsettling.

    While there have indeed been studies suggesting that men who previously underwent a vasectomy may experience higher rates of sperm abnormalities, follow-up studies have NOT been conducted to successfully link birth defects to vasectomy reversals. Furthermore, studies have suggested that the rate of birth defects may actually be higher among babies conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). At the Scott Department of Urology at Baylor College of Medicine, researchers found that the rate of birth defects in conventional IVF was nine percent, while that of ICSI was roughly the same at 8.6 percent.

    In a landmark study from the Vasovasostomy Study Group (VVSG) published in 1991, Dr. Arnold Belker and four other expert microsurgeons examined various facets of vasectomy reversal, including the risk of birth defects. Their trial, which followed 291 children born post-vasectomy reversal, found that only three of the 291 subjects displayed birth defects. That’s a one percent birth defect rate.

    Compare this number to the overall birth defect rate in the entire U.S. population, and you’ll find that it compares quite favorably. According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), approximately three percent of children born in the US are born with major birth defects. After accounting for birth-related developmental abnormalities by the age of one, this number rises to about six or seven percent.

    All in all, the risk of post-vasectomy reversal birth defects shouldn’t stop you from planning your future, as the odds don’t vary too much from that of the general population.

    For more information on One Stop Medical Center’s no-scalpel vasectomy reversal procedure, please contact us for a consultation.

     

    The Curious Case of Vasectomy Late Failure | Minneapolis & St. Paul

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    After undergoing a vasectomy procedure, patients typically aren’t declared sterile until a post-surgery semen examination comes back negative. While early failure of a vasectomy—where semen is detected in the ejaculate soon after the procedure—has been recorded and recognized as a possibility for nearly 50 years, late failure of a vasectomy wasn’t considered until years later.

    Late failure of a vasectomy occurs when semen reappears in the ejaculate even after two previous negative specimens. In an eight-year span between 1984 and 1992, six spontaneous late failure cases were recorded. All six cases resulted in DNA-proven fatherhood despite previously consistent negative semen analyses that confirmed patients could forego secondary contraception.

    In one case, a patient who underwent a vasectomy in March ’84 recorded one positive semen analysis before recording two consecutive negative analyses later that year. Despite his negative semen results, he conceived a child in November ’85 while still showing a negative sperm count post-conception.

    How does late failure of a vasectomy even happen? Based on study results from Churchill Hospital in the UK, it’s assumed that patients must have intermittently produced small amounts of viable semen either in between semen analyses or after the final analysis. Furthermore, results showed that even when post-conception semen analyses came back negative, paternity was still possible and, in these cases, actually confirmed via DNA.

    All in all, a vasectomy is still the most reliable method of permanent male contraception. However, it’s important for all patients to note that late failure and/or pregnancy after a vasectomy, while rare, is still a possibility.

     

    Study Finds Limited Use of Post-Vasectomy Secondary Contraception | Minneapolis & St. Paul

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    Last month, we published a post emphasizing the importance of using contraception even after a vasectomy, as patients are NOT completely sterile immediately following the procedure. Because “a series of follow-up tests is required to first confirm that sperm are no longer present in the patient’s semen,” using some form of birth control in the first few months post-surgery is strongly advised.

    However, a study conducted within the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) found that over half of the study’s couples (57.8%) did NOT use secondary contraception after undergoing a vasectomy postpartum. All couples had recently given birth and had reported a partner vasectomy four months following the live birth. Conducted in 15 states and New York City, the study assessed both the election of post-vasectomy birth control and the method of birth control used.

    Essentially, this means that the 57.8% of couples who chose not to use secondary contraception relied solely on the vasectomy itself as their birth control method. Of the remaining 42.4% who opted for secondary contraception, 50% used condoms, 26.5% used oral contraceptive pills, and 9.5% chose the withdrawal method.

    Based on these results, it seems that doctors and clinics need to better communicate to patients the necessity of secondary contraception in the months immediately following a vasectomy. In order to reduce the chance of unintended pregnancy, it is also important to understand the complexities surrounding why some couples choose not to use secondary contraception, despite being advised to.

    For more info on our vasectomy procedures, please refer to our FAQ page or schedule an Easy VasectomyⓇ consultation.

     

    Can Sperm Antibodies Affect Vasectomy Reversal Results? | Minneapolis & St. Paul

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    You may be familiar with the term “antibodies” as “something that helps the body ward off disease,” but the notion of sperm antibodies might seem counterintuitive. After all, why would the body want to destroy perfectly good sperm?

    Antibodies, small molecules that the body naturally produces to fight off infections, essentially stick to and kill off invading/unfamiliar cells. Sperm, however, are protected from being targeted by these antibodies via the blood-testis barrier, which physically prevents sperm from interacting with the blood stream. The body normally isn’t even aware of the presence of sperm.

    However, when the blood-testis barrier is compromised due to surgery, trauma to the area, or abnormal development of the testis, sperm may be detected and targeted by antibodies. In the case of a vasectomy, the vas deferen is cut and may leak sperm, potentially allowing the body to “see” and detect sperm for the first time. As a result, the body naturally produces antibodies to fight the sperm, which can affect sperm function and overall motility. Research suggests that at least 70 percent of men have detectable antibodies following a vasectomy, with 50–80 percent of cases occurring in the first year after the procedure. A small percentage of patients who do not develop antibodies in the first year develop them in the second or third year.

    While antibodies can cause problems for some patients, they aren’t usually responsible for post-vasectomy reversal infertility. A recent study published in Urology concluded that patients who experienced poor sperm quality actually had partially blocked vas deferens following a reversal. The patients’ initial post-reversal low motility wasn’t a result of sperm antibodies. After correcting the blockage issue, most patients were able to successfully conceive.

    Furthermore, despite some research suggesting that antibodies may decrease the chance of pregnancy after a reversal, the high overall post-operative conception rate (50-70 percent) and the uncertain correlation between antibody testing and post-operative pregnancy rates make antibody presence a controversial predictor of fertility.

     

    Understanding Male Infertility

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    Infertility, simply put, is the inability to conceive children. There are several causes for male infertility: low sperm count, low sperm motility, and poor sperm morphology. Each of these can make conception difficult. Each of these can be a result of genetics or environment. These days, it seems like the list of things that’ll give you cancer or a disease is increasingly long and confusing, so I’ll try to make it simple.

    Low sperm count is simply the lack of sperm of in semen. A lot of this is caused by environmental factors such as excessive alcohol and drug abuse, sexually transmitted disease and infections, exposure to toxins, hazardous chemicals, and radiation. These can be usually be avoided by taking the proper precautions. Not to mention the many other negative side effects that accompanies them. Low sperm count can also be influenced by exposing the testicles to high heat (from a fever), and genetic causes such as Klinefelter’s syndrome, or cystic fibrosis.

    Abnormal sperm refers to sperm that is not a normal shape and is thus unable to swim or function normally, preventing conception. This can be caused by testicular inflammation, twisted or swollen veins in the scrotum, exposure to heat, as well as environmental influences such as exposure to toxic chemicals.

    Infertility can also be caused by other issues such as premature ejaculation, retrograde ejeculations, erectile dysfunction, and other structural problems related to the male reproductive organs. Although men do not suffer the same loss of fertility that women do with age, men past the age of 70 may exhibit decreasing sperm quality. Many medical conditions such as diabetes, HIV, thyroid diseases, organ failure, heart attack, and anemia can cause infertility as well.

    Various drugs can also cause infertility, including: steroids, cimetidine (Tagamet), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), salazopyrine, colchicine, methadone, methotrexate (Folex), phenytoin (Dilantin), among many others.

    Vasectomy is obviously a common reason for male infertility.

    The best way to treat male infertility will be different for everyone. Obviously, preventative measures such as moderating drug, tobacco, and alcohol abuse, avoiding working with toxic or radioactive materials, using protection, and limiting sexual partners. Other solutions will depend mostly on the cause- like treating ejaculation issues or a disease that is causing infertility. The vasectomized patients may consider the vasectomy reversal procedures to restore their fertility.

    Introduction of Sperm Banking | Minnesota

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    Cryopreservation (rapid freezing) is the method of preserving sperm for future use. There are many reasons an individual would choose to prepare for possible sterility, including

    1. Pending cancer treatments
    2. Elective vasectomy
    3. Infertility (use frozen donor semen)
    4. Initiating hormone therapy
    5. Having a high risk job.

    For some men, sperm banking is almost a necessity. Men diagnosed with cancer during their early 20’s face a course of chemotherapy likely to provide a cure but also likely to adversely affect sperm production. Their only hope of fathering children is with preservation and storage of sperm obtained prior to chemotherapy. For years, sperm banks have been providing this service.

    On occasion, a vasectomy candidate will ask about storing his sperm prior to undergoing vasectomy. The question is whether sperm freezing and storage (cryopreservation) might be considered a reasonable alternative to vasectomy reversal in the unlikely event that the individual wishes to father children in the future.

    For another group of men, infertility has necessitated use of donor semen. While these men may be infertile for a variety of reasons, use of donor sperm allows their wives to experience pregnancy and childbirth, obviously not part of the adoption process. Nearly all donor sperm used nowadays is obtained from frozen semen. Fresh semen is almost never used because infected donors may not test positive for hepatitis and AIDS until weeks after donation. Cryopreservation of semen provides the safety net needed to confirm that sperm donors are healthy and have negative tests weeks or months after donating.

    Frozen semen can be stored for an indefinite amount of time. It can be used effectively in different types of fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), or gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT).

    Effects of Anti-sperm Antibodies in Patients with Vasectomy Reversal | Minnesota

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    What are Anti–sperm Antibodies?

    An antibody is a blood protein produced by your body’s immune system in response to the stimulation of a specific antigen. Common antigens include multiple antigens in bacteria, viruses, cancer cells and foreign substances in the blood. The antibodies combine chemically with antigens and serve to help the body target and fight-off theses “dangerous” or “unwanted” cells or substances. However, it is possible for antibodies to work against the body’s own cells; such is the case in many autoimmune diseases. In cases of vasectomy, especially after long periods of time after the surgery, it is possible for the body to form antisperm antibodies. This is a concern for many patients seeking vasectomy reversal.

    This is normally not a problem with sperm cells as they technically not in the body, in the same sense that the inside of our digestive tracts are not considered to be inside the body. Sperm is created in the testes, transported by the vas deferens, mixed with seminal fluid, and exits the body during ejaculation- at no point does sperm ever contact blood, as direct contact is prevented by the testes/blood barrier.

    When the blood-testis barrier is compromised under certain circumstances, such as trauma/surgery, infection, cancer and congenital defect, sperm could be exposed to blood and trigger the immune responses, which leads to antibody development. Development of anti-sperm antibodies after vasectomy is thought to be related to the breakdown of the blood-testis barrier and leakage of sperm antigens from the epididymis. For this reason, the body may treat sperm as a foreign pathogen, creating antibodies that correspond to the antigens on the surface of the sperm cell. A vasectomy, especially if a long period of time has passed since the procedure, can result in higher concentrations of anti-sperm antibodies.

    Antisperm antibodies are found in between 8% and 21% of men in the general population, 9% and 36% of infertile patients, and 70-100% of men after vasectomy. Studies have provided convincing evidence that a vasectomy does not lead to development of autoantibodies in men other than anti-sperm antibodies, and there is no evidence of any immunologic or other diseases related to development of anti-sperm antibodies following vasectomy.

    What is the Relationship of Anti-sperm Antibodies with Vasectomy Reversal Procedures?

    Antisperm antibodies can affect fertility in the male if they are in high concentrations. Fertility loss can come at varying degrees; the more antibodies one has, the lower fertility will be. B- immune cells create multiple types of sperm antibodies. Some antibodies will cause sperm to stick together, forming large clumps that hinder mobility of the sperm. Other antibodies act as a “flag” for natural killer cells, and others can even bind with the antigens on the surface of the egg in the womb, causing its destruction.

    How Anti-sperm antibodies affect fertility following vasectomy reversal is not clear. While 79% of men that are tested after a vasectomy have elevated antisperm antibodies, the levels at which they are present are not significant enough in most men to cause a significant drop in fertility. Most experts, including those from the American Urological Association, agree that there are rarely significant long-term side effects that arise from vasectomy.

    The practice guidelines of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the Society for Male Reproduction and Urology stated:

    “Overall postoperative conception rate (following vasectomy reversal) is relatively high (50% to 70%) and the presence of antisperm antibodies does not correlate closely with postoperative fecundability. Consequently, the value of preoperative antisperm antibody testing remains controversial and unproven.”

    Here is a summary of research evidence:

    1) Despite almost all men having detectable antibodies following a vasectomy, two thirds of vasectomy reversals are successful in achieving a pregnancy.
    2) The presence and levels of antibodies following vasectomy reversal inconsistently predicts what couples will be successful in achieving a pregnancy.
    3) The subjects of most research were infertile men. Research data from fertile men is lacking.
    4) Testing for sperm antibodies is not well standardized. There are different types of antibodies and different locations in the sperm. The influences from each antibody are unclear.

    Vasectomy Reversal and Other Alternatives | Minnesota

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    Traditionally vasectomies were considered to be permanent procedures, but headways in science and medicine have made reversal attainable for the average person. Vasectomy reversal is a procedure that involves the surgical reattachment of the severed vas deferens, with the end goal of restoring fertility in men that have had a vasectomy in the past. There are many reasons why someone would want a vasectomy reversal. Most couples want more children, often following a remarriage, some couples that at one point did not want children change their minds, and a few have unfortunately lost children and desire more.

    Other methods of having children besides vasectomy reversal are available as well. IVF, (in-vitro fertilization), known colloquially as having a “test tube baby”, involves taking one of the female’s eggs and retrieving sperm from the male, and manually combining them outside of the body without sexual intercourse. The embryo is then transferred to the uterus. ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is a more recent innovation that involves directly injecting a single sperm into an egg, and is very effective for severely infertile men whose semen lacks enough motile (moving) sperm cells.

    The average cost of basic IVF in the US is around $12,500, and medications run another $3,000-$5,000. Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) step of the process another $3,000 to $6,000. Altogether, conservatively speaking, The cost of basic IVF is about $20,000 … for each attempt to have a healthy child utilizing a procedure that is successful (most optimistically) about 40% of the time, depending upon factors such as maternal age and the specific medical circumstances of the parents.

    Adoption or sperm donation are other options as well, but many naturally desire to raise their own biological children. Sperm donation is the cheaper option, and usually costs $400-$1,000. Adoption is considerably more expensive ($5,000-$40,000) and the process can take years to accomplish. The final, and often least desirable option is a child-free lifestyle.

    For couples where the child-rearing partner is reproductively healthy, vasectomy reversal seems to be the most cost effective way of having biological children. One Stop Medical Center offers vasovasostomy at $2,490, considerably cheaper than IVF and adoption while still making biological children of both parents attainable, which cannot be said of sperm donation.

    Fertility After a Successful Vasectomy Reversal | Minnesota

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    Many couples are concerned about the attainability of pregnancy after a successful vasectomy reversal- after a year of negative pregnancy tests, any couple may naturally feel discouraged. It is important to stay positive during this time, as pregnancy will not happen immediately. Here are some things couples should know:

    First, it takes time for the sperm count to return to normal. For the first couple months, the absence of sperm is not unusual. After a vasovasostomy, sperm should be present in the ejaculate after three months, otherwise the vasovasostomy probably was unsuccessful, although we usually call it failure if no sperm is seen after six months. For an epididymovasostomy, this could take even longer. Keep in mind however, the mere presence of sperm does not guarantee conception. Sperm count must reach an adequate level in order for conception to be possible.

    Second, a man renews his sperm reserve every 3-4 months, and it can take a couple turnovers, or about 6-8 months, for sperm count to reach optimal levels. Even after that, it could be up to six months to reach the proper conditions for conception. For some couples, conception could take just a few months, while others may take longer. Everyone’s body is unique- it is important not to lose hope.

    The best way to ensure conception is to monitor sperm content and mobility over time. The first lab test is done six weeks after the procedure, and is repeated as required. Once it has been determined that sperm count has reached adequate levels and that the sperm is mobile, conception should occur within six months assuming the couple is having intercourse often and regulaarly and at the most fertile points of the woman’s cycle (a few days before and after ovulation). If there are still issues, and the sperm is fine, the issue may lie with the female partner’s fertility.

    Conception can be a long and trying process for many couples. Again, it is important to stay positive and not be discouraged, as it can take quite a long time to meet the conditions required for conception, and there are many factors that affect pregnancy. Patience is often rewarded.

    Can Lycopene Increase Fertility in Men? | Minnesota

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    Lycopene is an organic compound that gives tomatoes their distinctive red color, but recent research has found that taking lycopene may increase fertility in men.

    Previous studies, led by Ashok Agarwal, have demonstrated that taking lycopene can boost sperm count by 70%. These studies also showed improvements in swimming speed, and reduced amount of abnormal sperm. Hypothetically, lycopene could protect sperm from DNA damage, increasing the quality of the sperm.

    This is the focus of a 2016 study from the University of Sheffield in England. This study involves a 12 week trial that will determine whether or not lycopene can reliably increase fertility in men. The study involves 60 male subjects, ages 18-30, who will be divided into two groups. One group takes a lycopene supplement, and the other takes a placebo. If lycopene does indeed affect fertility, the results should be apparent based on test results on the subject’s sperm and blood.

    While the link between lycopene and male fertility is far from concrete, these discoveries may bring new hope and new life to couples trying to have a baby in Minnesota.

    Getting Pregnant After a Vasectomy Reversal

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    Many couples become frustrated when many months have gone by after vasectomy reversal and their female partners are still not pregnant. Months of negative pregnancy tests can certainly take its toll on any couple’s spirit. This blog is going to talk about getting pregnant after a vasectomy reversal; it’s important for couples to know what a realistic expectation should be and to understand the process of conceiving.

    Getting pregnant after a vasectomy reversal can be a long and frustrating process. Here is what you can expect after getting a vasectomy reversal.

    First, it takes a few months for sperms to return to a normal count following a vasectomy reversal. After vasovasostomy, semen analysis will be done to confirm whether or not the procedure is successful. The initial test can be done in four to six weeks. If the initial semen analysis is negative, the test should be repeated in a few months (within six months following the reversal procedure). If there is no sperm in the ejaculate after six months, then the reversal has not been successful.

    It takes time for sperm count to be normalized. Generally speaking, a man turns over his sperm reserve every three to four months. Getting pregnant after a vasectomy reversal is usually a six to twelve month process although some get pregnant within six months. It can take a couple of turnovers of sperm reserve, or more than six months, before sperm count returns to a level where getting pregnant is optimal. At this point, it can still take another six months or so for a couple to conceive. Some couple may get pregnant within a few months after the reversal, but it is not the norm.

    We recommend the initial semen analysis at the four to six week period, and then every two months for two more times. Once the semen analysis shows optimal sperm count and motility (although some men may never have normal sperm counts and motility), a couple should monitor ovulation, having timed intercourse every other day in 4 days before and after ovulation. Semen analysis should be repeated if a couple has not conceived within six months to make sure the sperm counts are still normal and then female partner should be evaluated for their fertility issues.
    Getting pregnant after a vasectomy reversal sometimes can be a long process. There are many factors that come into play for couples trying to conceive, from sperm count and quality to women’s fertility. Don’t become discouraged if you’re not pregnant after only a few months following the reversal.

    Vasectomy Reversal & Birth Defect | Minnesota

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    Recently we got a question from a patient on the relationship of vasectomy reversal and birth control. The patient wanted to know if the vasectomy reversal procedure will increase the chance of birth defect. This blog post will specifically address this issue.

    Back in 2006, a study conducted at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok showed that chromosomal abnormalities of sperms were more common in vasectomized men than men with healthy fertility. However, the authors of the study acknowledged that they were unsure whether these findings would support the theory that the risk of birth defects was higher after vasectomy reversal. So far, there have been no follow-up studies to confirm that such a link exists.

    Although vasectomy reversal birth defects are among the possible risks discussed during the consultation, most men are pleased to hear that there is no definitive evidence to suggest that the rate of birth defects after vasectomy reversal is significantly higher than that among the general population. In fact, the rate of birth defects may actually be higher among those who achieve pregnancy through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which has been indicated in many researches.

    Here are statistics that help you to better understand this issue:

    About 3 percent of all children born in the United States are born with major birth defects (or 6 to 7 percent when accounting for developmental abnormalities). The rate of birth defects after vasectomy reversal is slightly higher at 5 percent. On the other hand, research suggests that there is a greater risk of birth defects in both IVF (9 percent) and IVF-ICSI (8.6 percent) compared to their control group (4.2 percent).

    Research shows that Tomatoes boost male fertility | Minneapolis

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    The key nutrient that gives tomatoes their bright red color could boost fertility in men, according to a study. This research shows that lycopene could increase sperm count by up to 70 per cent.

    The report, which was published by the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, reviewed 12 studies by different groups around the world.

    All of them showed that lycopene improved sperm count and swimming speed, and reduced the number of abnormal sperm.
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    Ashok Agarwal, director of the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Reproductive Medicine, who led the study, said it was part of a general pattern showing lycopene benefited men’s reproductive organs. His team has already begun a trial giving lycopene supplements to men with unexplained infertility. They plan to announce the results next year.

    The discovery will bring new hope to the infertility couples in Minnesota.

    How to Increase Male Fertility after Vasectomy Reversal | Minnesota

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    Although successful vasectomy is critical step for your fertility, keeping your sperm healthy is also important for increasing your fertility. This blog will talk about the health of your sperm, and how it may help you to understand the various factors that can affect male fertility.

    Sperm health depends on various factors, including sperm quantity, quality and movement. The more sperm in each ejaculation you have, the more sperm with a normal shape and structure, or if more than 40 percent of your sperm are moving, the more likely you are to be fertile. Aging does affect sperm health. Sperm movement and the number of healthy sperm might decline after age 50, affecting a man’s fertility.

    family_14There are some simple steps in changing your lifestyle to boost your fertility. It is helpful to eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercise daily, and reduce your weight. Obesity may negatively affect sperm quality, reducing both sperm count and sperm movement. Smoking, alcohol and illegal drugs also affect sperm count, quality and movement. Quit smoking, drink less than two glasses of alcohol or coffee daily, and lose the extra pounds to achieve a healthy weight. Also stay away from toxins, such as pesticides and lead, however if you must work with them, do so safely with protective clothing and safety precautions. Taking supplements may not actually be beneficial, so focus more on your overall health.

    Stress can decrease sexual function and interfere with the hormones needed to produce sperm. If the body is under stress, whether it is emotional, physical or financial, it does not help male fertility. One great way to reduce stress is to force your body to relax with getting enough sleep, exercise, yoga, and getting a massage or acupuncture on a regular basis.

    Always practice safe sex. Sexually transmitted diseases are a leading cause of infertility for both men and women. Most lubricants during sex will also interfere with sperm movement.

    Try to stay away from certain heat sources because increased scrotal temperature can affect sperm production. Avoid hot tubs and hot baths (showers are fine). Also avoid wearing tight underwear or athletic shorts. If you bike or remain seated for long periods of time, take frequent breaks. Don’t place a laptop computer directly on your lap. Don’t keep your cell phone in your pants pocket.

    Be cautious with medications, especially Calcium channel blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, anti-androgens, and anabolic steroids, as they can affect your fertility. Chemotherapy drugs and radiation can cause irreversible infertility.

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