So, it’s January - finally! You may have guessed it, but we’re super thankful to get rid of 2020 and we can’t wait to move further into 2021 and settle back into a normalcy that seems to have eluded us for quite a while. One part of that ‘normalcy’ we’ve grown accustomed to is the amount of couples that decide that March is the best time for the boyfriend or husband to undergo a vasectomy. Why March, you might ask? Well, a lot of men grew up loving basketball and rooting for a certain team to make it through the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Basketball Tournament that consumes March and even bleeds into April. The games are bunched up into many games for the first few weeks, giving those at home a chance to watch game after game after game on Thursdays through Sundays. While fantasy sports and sports gambling have increased the intensity with which these games are viewed, valued, and watched, the fact remains that the NCAA Basketball Tournament is a huge draw for so many people across the country regardless of the reason. Unfortunately, in 2020, March Madness was canceled due to COVID-19. This led to a number of men enjoying the benefits of a good binge on Netflix. However, it appears that the NCAA Tournament will be back for 2021! And if you - or your significant other - are looking for a time for you to ‘undergo the knife’, you might as well take advantage of the circumstances and enjoy a few full days of March Madness, frozen peas, extended couch time, and potential upsets while you are recovering from your vasectomy.

March Madness Vasectomies

What Happens During a Vasectomy?

A vasectomy is really a minor surgery where, outside of severe and rare complications, you go home the same day. The procedure takes 30 minutes at a maximum and often will be done much sooner. At the beginning of the procedure, a urologist will numb the scrotum using a local anesthetic. They will then make a small incision. After locating the vas deferens — the tube that carries semen into the urethra — your doctor will bring a portion of the tube through the incision, cut and seal it. Once sealed, the vas deferens will be gently returned to the scrotum and the incision will then be stitched. 

When you are considering a vasectomy, you should take into consideration that a vasectomy is considered a permanent procedure. Yes, the procedure can be reversed, but that doesn’t mean that you will be able to conceive children. You should have discussed and thoroughly thought through whether or not you want more children or not, as a successful vasectomy could prevent this forever. As such, you can be sure that the procedure does not affect your sex drive or sexual performance. A vasectomy is a very safe, cost-effective, and reliable form of birth control. 

What is the Recovery Time for a Vasectomy?

The recovery time for a vasectomy is generally the same for most men. After a vasectomy, wearing tight-fitting underwear will help minimize swelling and aid in reducing any pain or tension. While mild pain or swelling is common after the procedure, it should not last for more than a few days and can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. After the vasectomy, it is recommended to apply an ice pack to the scrotum for 20 minutes at a time during the first 48 hours after the procedure and that you lay down completely for 6-8 hours immediately after the procedure. This will also help manage the pain and swelling - and allow you one to enjoy the timely nature of March Madness. 

Before going in for your vasectomy, you’ll be asked to shower (this really shouldn’t come as a surprise and ought to be mandated by doctors). After the procedure, you should then wait 24 hours after the surgery before showering again. Gently using soap and water will help keep the surgical site free from infection. Avoid sitting in a bath or swimming for three to five days after your vasectomy. What is the most important part of a recovery from a vasectomy? Rest. For the first 48 hours after your vasectomy, you’ll need to rest and avoid any work or strenuous activity. By day three, you may be able to do some light work, but heavy lifting, sports, and sex need to wait until five to seven days post-surgery. 

When Can I Schedule a Vasectomy?

You can call our office and schedule a vasectomy as soon as possible! Don’t delay, as our March and early April schedule fills up quickly due to the enticing nature of the time of year to endure this procedure. If you miss this time frame, another time that many choose to have a vasectomy is during The Masters. This iconic golf professional golf tournament is scheduled for April 8-11, 2021. Overall, to learn more or schedule your vasectomy, contact MS Urology. today!