A recent NPR report highlights a curious trend: urologists see a surge in vasectomy appointments every March. Some clinics even promote the procedure by suggesting that you can get snipped and then lounge at home binge-watching basketball.
A guy I used to know, Eric, decided to take this route. He mentioned he’d be out for a couple of weeks due to a “procedure” in March, punctuating his statement with a wink.
“Why the wink?” I asked.
“Because it’ll be March Madness,” he replied, revealing his plan to get a vasectomy and enjoy the basketball tournament from the comfort of his couch.
At the time, I simply nodded and said, “Good for you.”
As someone who works for a Division I athletics program—albeit on the academic side—I’m the one reminding student-athletes to stay on top of their studies. I’m not a huge sports fan, which might explain why I just can’t wrap my head around why men need an annual basketball tournament to finally take that step toward a vasectomy.
I had my own vasectomy last year. Sure, it was uncomfortable, but nothing compared to my partner’s three C-sections, which I witnessed firsthand. Seeing a whole person being pulled from an incision is an unforgettable experience. In contrast, my procedure involved two small incisions, each about the size of a nickel. I was in and out in less than an hour. While I didn’t watch the games, I did find myself at home with Netflix and a bag of ice on my private area. Within a week, I was back at work, while my wife took a month to recover from her surgeries. After observing that, it felt unjust to ask her to undergo any more invasive procedures just so I could avoid a little discomfort.
However, there’s more to the vasectomy conversation than just personal comfort. The Affordable Care Act mandates that insurers cover contraceptives without additional costs, but vasectomies don’t fall under this rule. The procedure generally costs around $500, but some doctors charge up to $1,000. This discrepancy arises because the ACA treats contraception primarily as a women’s health issue. Recently, a group of physicians has been advocating for change, gathering over 12,000 signatures to include vasectomies under insurance coverage. However, under the current administration, there are efforts to eliminate the contraception mandate entirely.
In a bizarre twist, radio stations have begun giving away free vasectomies during March Madness as part of promotional events. Contestants argue live on-air about why they deserve a free procedure, and the winner gets the vasectomy—and a live broadcast of the operation.
Ladies, if you find all this strange, you’re not alone. The whole scenario seems outlandish. I was fortunate to have insurance that covered my vasectomy, so I didn’t have to resort to public contests.
Like many men, I procrastinated getting the procedure done—not out of any ill will, but simply because it wasn’t something I was excited about. Perhaps this makes me just like the others, and for that, I owe my partner a heartfelt apology.
According to the CDC, only about 5% of women rely on their partner’s vasectomy for contraception, while 20% of women have undergone sterilization—despite the latter being more invasive and costly. I can see why some families might opt for female sterilization if it’s covered by insurance and a vasectomy isn’t. As a father of three, I understand how vital insurance and deductibles are when making family planning decisions.
In the end, family planning and contraception can be complicated. It’s an emotional and financial balancing act that requires weighing various factors to determine the best course for your family.
As a final thought, I urge other men to consider this: If getting a vasectomy is only on your radar because of March Madness, but you overlook the sacrifices your partner has made for your family, it might be time to reevaluate your values and motivations. Instead of fixating on the TV screen, take a moment to acknowledge all that she has endured.
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In conclusion, the decision to undergo a vasectomy should not hinge on a sporting event. It’s a significant choice that warrants thoughtful consideration.