JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The NCAA basketball tournament and vasectomies: What do they have in common?
The answer may make you blush, but the ball is in your court.
If a vasectomy is in your family’s future, March is a great month to schedule. JRMC Urologist Dr. Robert Bates suggests scheduling the procedure for this month. Use the recovery to enjoy uninterrupted, guilt-free college basketball-watching couch time, he said.
The “madness” of the tourney tips-off on Tuesday, March 13. Jamestown Regional Medical Center is encouraging anyone to schedule their vasectomy procedure during the month of March. For each vasectomy in March, you will receive a gift to help with your healing process through the “madness”.
“Vasectomies can be a sensitive topic, but many fears are overblown,” Dr. Bates said.
Here are a few common vasectomy questions:
How does a vasectomy work?
During a vasectomy, the two tubes (known as Vas Deferens) that carry sperm from the testes to the penis are cut, preventing the sperm from continued travel, and providing effective sterilization. The procedure should be considered permanent.
Will a vasectomy lower my testosterone level? Will it reduce my sex drive?
No. The body still produces seminal fluid and testosterone continues to be released directly into the bloodstream.
How long does the procedure take?
20 minutes; Dr. Bates uses a local anesthetic and the puncture heals naturally, without stitches.
How long will it take to recover?
Recovery time is typically 2-3 days. Patients are encouraged to stay home and take it easy, providing a perfect opportunity to update your bracket. Physicians recommend avoiding heavy lifting and exercise for at least five days.
How much does it hurt?
“Most patients are surprised at how minimal the pain is,” said MeLisa Roaldson said, urology nurse. Done under local anesthesia, the procedure itself is fairly painless.
“The most painful part of a vasectomy is watching your team lose,” Dr. Bates said.
Men interested in vasectomies may schedule directly with Dr. Bates. To learn more or to make an appointment, call (701) 952-4878.