For your convenience, below are answers to some Frequently Asked Questions. For more information, please call us toll free at 518-262-3341.
Are gallstones and kidney stones related?
No. There is no known link between gallstones and kidney stones. These stones are formed in different areas of the body. Also, if you have a gallstone, you are not necessarily more likely to develop kidney stones.
Are there alternatives to vasectomy reversal?
Yes. Your doctor can obtain sperm from the testicle or epididymis by either needle aspiration or an open biopsy procedure, but the sperm are not useful for simple, inexpensive office procedures such as artificial insemination.
Can a vasectomy cause prostate cancer?
Lately, there have been some published studies and debates regarding whether vasectomy may predispose a man to other health problems. In the early 1990s, there were studies that tried to link vasectomy to a future risk of prostate cancer.
Can a vasectomy fail?
First, it is important to be sure the vasectomy has been successful and that a sperm count has been obtained prior to stopping all other forms of contraception. Even if vasectomy has been demonstrated to be effective, there is a small chance that a vasectomy may fail.
Can all vasectomies be reversed?
Almost all vasectomies can be reversed, however, if the repair was performed during the repair of an inguinal hernia, there may be much more difficulty reconnecting the ends of the vas deferens. In similar fashion, mesh-type hernia repairs may also make vasectomy reversal much more difficult.
Can I become impotent after a vasectomy?
An uncomplicated vasectomy should not have any effect on erectile function.
Can I have children after my vasectomy?
Yes, but if you have not stored frozen sperm, you will require an additional procedure. The vas deferens can be micro-surgically reconnected in a procedure called vasectomy reversal to allow normal conception to occur.
Can my partner tell if I had a vasectomy?
There is no significant change in the ejaculate after vasectomy since the sperm present in the ejaculate fluid are relatively low. Your partner may, on occasion, be able to feel the vasectomy site, and this is particularly true if you have developed a granuloma.
Can something happen to my testicles?
Rarely, the testicles may be injured during the vasectomy as a result of infection, or an injury to the testicular artery. Other complications such as hematoma or infection may also occur.
How do I prevent kidney stones?
A good first step for you for stone prevention is to drink more liquids. Water is best and intake of greater than 2 quarts per day is best. If you tend to form stones, you should drink enough liquids throughout the day to produce at least 2 quarts of urine in every 24 hour period.
How expensive is vasectomy reversal?
Costs vary widely and depend on 3 factors. The surgical fee, 2) the hospital operating room fees, and 3) the anesthesiology fee. Generally, the cost for a vasectomy reversal can range from $5,000 to $12,000 or more.
If a vasectomy reversal fails, should I consider a repeat reversal?
The success for repeat reversals are generally 10% lower than for first reversals. For these types of complicated procedures, we usually suggest that you are seen by a specialty center where these types of procedures are performed on a regular basis.
Is age a factor in conceiving after vasectomy reversal?
Your age should not influence the result of your vasectomy reversal. Most men can either produce sperm from their testicles for many years after their partners have entered menopause and are no longer ovulating.
My stone has not passed, do I need surgery?
In general, you are facing surgery if your stones are too large and cause obstruction to the flow of urine. If your kidneys are blocked for a long period of time, irreversible loss of function may occur.
What experience does UINENY have treating kidney stones?
The Urological Institute of Northeastern New York (UINENY) and Dr. Mark White have a very large experience with treating both adult and pediatric stone disease. Our most common procedure is Holmium laser lithotripsy with over 1,400 adult patients and 100 children successfully treated over the past ten years.
What is a staghorn stone?
Resembling the horns of a stag, these stones get their name from the shape they form by filling the entire kidney and renal pelvis with stones. Staghorn stones are linked to urinary tract infections.
Who performs vasectomy reversal?
Urologists are the surgical specialists who frequently perform vasectomy reversals. In our practice, Dr. White performs most of the microsurgical vasectomy reversals.
Will a vasectomy reversal relieve pain in the testicle developed after my vasectomy?
It is fortunate that only a very small percentage of men develop severe testicular pain after vasectomy. Because such situations are rare, there are a few reports of groups of patients who undergo vasectomy reversals to relieve pain in the testicle, however, there are few published reports.
Will my children get kidney stones because I have them?
Any person with a family history of stones may be at higher risk for forming stones. Stone disease in a first degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, can dramatically increase the probability for you.
Will my sense of orgasm be altered by having a vasectomy?
No. In general, ejaculation and orgasm are not affected by vasectomy. The only exception to this is the rare patient who has developed post-vasectomy pain syndrome.
