Category Archives: Vasectomy reversal clinic

Can Testosterone Affect Fertility? Why You Must Stop It Before Vasectomy Reversal

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Many men use testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to improve energy, mood, and muscle strength. However, for men who plan a vasectomy reversal, continuing testosterone can dramatically reduce the chance of success.

Here’s why understanding the connection between testosterone and sperm production is essential before surgery.

🔹 What Testosterone Normally Does in the Body

Your body’s sperm production depends on a precise hormonal communication between the brain and the testicles:

1. The hypothalamus releases a hormone called GnRH.

2. The pituitary gland then sends two messenger hormones:

LH (luteinizing hormone) – signals the testicles to make testosterone locally.

FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) – helps mature sperm cells.

3. These signals keep intratesticular testosterone levels extremely high—many times higher than what is measured in the bloodstream—allowing sperm to form and mature properly.

🔹 What Happens When You Use Testosterone from Outside

When you take testosterone injections, gels, or pellets, your body senses that your hormone levels are already high.
In response, the brain shuts down its own signal to the testicles:

↓ GnRH

↓ LH and FSH

↓ Intratesticular testosterone

❌ Sperm production stops

Even though you may feel stronger or more energetic, your testicles are essentially “switched off.”
Many men on TRT develop severely low sperm counts or even azoospermia (no sperm at all).

🔹 Why This Matters for Vasectomy Reversal

A vasectomy reversal reconnects the tubes that carry sperm.
However, if no sperm are being made, even the best surgical technique cannot restore fertility.

Therefore, men must stop testosterone therapy well before their reversal surgery to allow sperm production to restart naturally.

🔹 How Long Does It Take to Recover Sperm Production?

The recovery timeline varies based on your age, how long you’ve been on TRT, and the dosage used. It could take 3–6 months for sperm production to return after stopping testosterone. Up to 12 months for full recovery in long-term users.

🔹 Steps to Take Before Vasectomy Reversal

1. Stop all testosterone or anabolic steroid use as soon as you plan to do vasectomy reversal. Ideally, at least 3–6 months before the procedure.

2. During this time, your hormone doctor may prescribe medications such as:

a. Clomiphene citrate (Clomid) – helps the pituitary restart natural hormone signals.

b. hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) – mimics LH to stimulate testosterone production in the testicles.

Both can help “wake up” sperm production faster.

🔹 The Bottom Line

Exogenous testosterone can make you feel good—but it can also make you temporarily infertile. If you’re planning a vasectomy reversal, restoring natural hormone balance first is essential.
By discontinuing TRT, monitoring your hormones, and allowing sperm production to recover, you maximize your chance for success—and for a healthy pregnancy after reversal.

Steven Shu, MD, MBA
Medical Director, One Stop Medical Center | Procedure Clinic
Specializing in office-based vasectomy and vasectomy reversal procedures with local anesthesia.

Understanding the Impact of Anti-sperm Antibodies in Vasectomy Reversal

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Introduction
Vasectomy is a widely chosen and highly effective form of contraception among men. However, life circumstances can change, prompting some men to reconsider their decision and pursue parenthood after undergoing a vasectomy. In such cases, vasectomy reversal emerges as a viable option to restore fertility. Although vasectomy reversal is generally successful, it’s crucial to be aware of potential factors that can influence the procedure’s outcomes. This blog explores the impact of anti-sperm antibodies in patients who have undergone vasectomy reversal.

Anti-sperm Antibodies: What Are They?
Antibodies are blood proteins produced by the body’s immune system in response to specific antigens, which can include elements like bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, and foreign substances in the bloodstream. These antibodies play a critical role in targeting and neutralizing potential threats to the body. However, in some cases, antibodies can act against the body’s own cells, as observed in various autoimmune diseases.

Anti-sperm antibodies, specifically, are proteins generated by the immune system that target and attack sperm cells. Under normal circumstances, the immune system recognizes sperm as part of the body, and thus, does not initiate an immune response against them. However, when sperm comes into contact with the bloodstream, as can happen following a vasectomy, the immune system may treat it as an invasive foreign entity, leading to the development of anti-sperm antibodies.
It’s important to note that, in usual circumstances, sperm remains largely segregated from the bloodstream due to the presence of the blood-testis barrier. This barrier prevents direct contact between sperm and blood, maintaining sperm’s status as non-threatening to the immune system. However, disruptions to this barrier, such as through trauma, surgery, infection, cancer, or congenital defects, can expose sperm to the bloodstream, potentially triggering immune responses and the development of anti-sperm antibodies.

Effects of Anti-sperm Antibodies in Vasectomy Reversal Patients
Studies have revealed that anti-sperm antibodies are present in varying percentages of men in different populations: approximately 8% to 21% of men in the general population, 9% to 36% of infertile patients, and 70-100% of men following a vasectomy. It’s important to clarify that undergoing a vasectomy does not typically lead to the development of autoantibodies in men, except in the case of anti-sperm antibodies. There is also no substantial evidence linking the development of anti-sperm antibodies after vasectomy to immunological or other diseases.

The Relationship of Anti-sperm Antibodies with Vasectomy Reversal Procedures
The impact of anti-sperm antibodies on fertility following vasectomy reversal is not entirely clear. While it is true that 79% of men tested after a vasectomy exhibit elevated anti-sperm antibodies, these levels are not typically significant enough to cause a substantial decrease in fertility. In most men, these antibodies do not result in significant, long-term side effects arising from vasectomy.

The guidelines set forth by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the Society for Male Reproduction and Urology emphasize that overall postoperative conception rates after vasectomy reversal are relatively high, ranging from 50% to 70%. Moreover, the presence of anti-sperm antibodies does not consistently correlate with postoperative fecundability, making the value of preoperative anti-sperm antibody testing a matter of controversy.

Here’s a summary of the research evidence on this subject:

  • Even though nearly all men exhibit detectable antibodies following a vasectomy, around two-thirds of vasectomy reversals result in successful pregnancies.
  • The presence and levels of antibodies following vasectomy reversal inconsistently predict the success of achieving a pregnancy in couples.
  • Much of the existing research focuses on infertile men, leaving a gap in data regarding fertile men.
  • The testing for sperm antibodies lacks standardization, given the presence of various antibody types and their different locations in sperm. The influence of each antibody type remains unclear.
  • In conclusion, while the development of anti-sperm antibodies is a potential consideration in vasectomy reversal, the evidence suggests that it does not consistently lead to fertility problems or significantly impact the success of achieving pregnancy. The decision to undergo vasectomy reversal should be made based on individual circumstances and in consultation with a healthcare professional.

    • Note: One Stop Medical Center provides the service of Vasectomy Reversal. We have two office locations in Edina, Minnesota, and Casselberry, Florida. If you are interested in vasectomy Reversal, Please fill out the online registration first, we will call you in 2 business days, or please call us at 1-888-992-0019 if any questions.

    The Miracle of Vasovasostomy: Restoring Fertility with Surgical Precision

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    Introduction

    In the realm of reproductive medicine, vasovasostomy stands as a remarkable surgical procedure that offers renewed hope to couples who have experienced male infertility due to a previous vasectomy. This microsurgical technique, designed to restore the flow of sperm by reconnecting the vas deferens, has gained attention for its effectiveness in restoring fertility. In this blog, we delve into the intricacies of vasovasostomy, exploring its procedure, success rates, factors influencing outcomes, and its role in modern fertility treatments.

    Understanding Vasovasostomy

    A vasectomy is a common form of birth control for men, involving the surgical cutting or blocking of the vas deferens—the tubes that transport sperm from the testes to the ejaculatory duct. However, life circumstances can change, prompting some men to desire the reversal of their vasectomy to regain the potential for fatherhood. Vasovasostomy, a microsurgical procedure, offers them this chance by delicately reconnecting the vas deferens.

    The Procedure

    Vasovasostomy is a meticulous procedure that requires the expertise of a skilled microsurgeon. It is often performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. The surgeon accesses the vas deferens by making small incisions in the scrotum. Microscopic tools are then used to reconnect the two cut ends of the vas deferens, ensuring precise alignment and suturing. If sperm flow is successfully restored, the chances of natural conception increase.

    Success Rates and Factors Influencing Outcomes

    The success of vasovasostomy largely depends on several factors:

  • Time Since Vasectomy: Success rates tend to be higher when the vasectomy was performed more recently. Long intervals between vasectomy and reversal can lead to higher chances of blockage, reducing the likelihood of successful sperm flow.
  • Type of Vasectomy: The type of vasectomy initially performed can influence the complexity of the vasovasostomy. Vasectomies that involved removal of a segment of the vas deferens (rather than just sever) or aggressive cauterization in both ends can lead to more challenging procedures.
  • Surgeon’s Skill: The skill and experience of the microsurgeon performing the procedure play a pivotal role. A highly skilled surgeon is more likely to achieve optimal results.
  • Presence of Antibodies: Some men may develop antibodies against their own sperm after a vasectomy, which can complicate the success of the procedure. .
  • Overall Health and Lifestyle: A man’s overall health, lifestyle choices, and age can impact the success of vasovasostomy. Healthy individuals generally experience better outcomes.

    • Conclusion

    Vasovasostomy, with its microsurgical precision and potential to restore male fertility, remains a beacon of hope for couples seeking to expand their families after a vasectomy. As surgical techniques continue to advance and success rates improve, this procedure stands as a testament to medical ingenuity and the remarkable ways in which science can restore life-changing possibilities. While the journey to parenthood might encounter obstacles, vasovasostomy is a reminder that with the right expertise and determination, barriers can be overcome, and dreams can be fulfilled.

    Note: One Stop Medical Center provides the service of Vasectomy Reversal. We have two office locations in Edina, Minnesota, and Casselberry, Florida. If you are interested in vasectomy Reversal, Please fill out the online registration first, we will call you in 2 business days, or please call us at 1-888-992-0019 if any questions.

    $2950 All Inclusive Affordable Vasectomy Reversal Service | MN | FL

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    Summary: The expense of vasectomy reversals is an important factor that discourages couples wanting to have another child. One Stop Medical Center has been offering $2950 all inclusive for an affordable vasectomy reversal service, helping couples conceive children naturally.

    MINNEAPOLIS, MN (March 12th, 2022) – There are approximately half a million men who undergo a vasectomy every year in the U.S. About 7% of them would want a vasectomy reversal. Whereas the cost of vasectomies is usually less than $1000 and are covered by most insurance companies, reversals are not, so couples have to pay for the expensive procedure with cash. If the reversal is performed in a hospital or surgical center, this, in turn, accelerates the cost, further discouraging couples wanting to have another child.

    One Stop Medical Center has been offering an Affordable Vasectomy Reversal Service in the past nine years. It continues to Offer $2950 all inclusive for a vasovasostomy procedure.

    The aim of vasovasostomy is to reconnect the vas where it was severed at the time of vasectomy, making it a true reverse vasectomy, which makes the most sense for men whose intervals are short (less than 10 years vasectomy) . Vasovasostomy (VV) takes about two hours. It is performed under local anesthesia, similar to the anesthesia used for vasectomy but with a longer-acting drug. Continuity of both vas tubes can be restored with micro-surgical techniques through a single small incision with the assistance of magnification.

    We are able to lower your costs by not charging any facility fees and anesthesia fees, but never sacrifice our quality of service. The medical director, Dr. Steven Shu, is an expert in office procedures who is dedicated to helping couples conceive children naturally, and he performs almost 200 vasectomy reversal procedures every year.

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