March Madness 2017 kicks off this week on the 14^th, which means that our newsfeeds will soon be filled with articles linking the NCAA college basketball tournament to an uptick in vasectomies across the country. Is there any validity to this connection, and if so, why?

Is March Madness the most popular time for a vasectomy?

Many vasectomy surgeons, Dr. Bastuba of the San Diego Vasectomy Center included, have identified certain points throughout the year in which vasectomy requests increase substantially. There’s definitely a correlation between March Madness and vasectomy procedures, and for a surprising reason: men choose to take advantage of the short time period required for vasectomy recovery to relax and enjoy the basketball tournament when they’d otherwise be working or fulfilling other responsibilities.

How to recover from a vasectomy

Following the post-vasectomy recovery guidelines is very simple but very important. Men are advised to refrain from returning to work for two to three days (depending on how they feel), refrain from heavy physical activity for several days and to abstain from sex for about 3-4 weeks. Generally, most patients only report mild discomfort during the hours and days after their vasectomy. Over-the-counter pain medication, coupled with an ice pack on the testicles, relieves soreness. In fact, many vasectomy patients have noted that their vasectomy caused less discomfort than getting a tattoo!

The summer and winter holiday seasons are also popular times of the year to get a vasectomy. A vasectomy can kick off or wrap up a summer vacation since recovery is only needed for a short time, or the procedure can be squeezed in during a winter break or while using vacation days that would be lost otherwise.

Quick vasectomy facts

• A vasectomy is 99% effective and typically less invasive and costly, especially when compared to other forms of permanent contraception.
• A vasectomy will not prevent STD transmission. You will still need to use a condom to prevent STDs.
• A vasectomy will not instantly prevent pregnancy. Patients will need to use contraception until their semen is free of sperm, which is tested post-procedure by your vasectomy surgeon.
• You will not notice a change in your ejaculation post-procedure. The volume, color and texture of fluid should remain as it was prior to your vasectomy.

Request an appointment with experienced vasectomy surgeon Dr. Martin Bastuba.