The 2026 men’s Final Four is set for Saturday in Indianapolis, but Gunter Guzman finds that no seed will progress.
At 45, Guzman scheduled his vasectomy last year to align with the NCAA basketball tournament. You might be familiar with March Madness, but what about “Vas Madness”?
This trend of increased vasectomies during this time of year has been underway for about 20 years now. It seems to be drawing even more attention recently. Reports indicate that around 1,500 procedures happen annually at the facility where Guzman had his.
During March, the urology team emphasizes service on six days from Wednesday to Friday during the initial two weekends of the tournament, with most men opting for the first weekend due to the intense competition.
“For couples who’ve completed their families, a vasectomy is likely the best birth control method available,” noted a Northwestern urologist. “Scheduling it during March Madness can transform what some might find stressful into a more positive experience. Distraction can be an effective pain reliever.”
After the birth of their second child in fall 2023, Guzman felt it was time to add a new “player” to his team.
A couple from Chicago decided that two kids would suffice, as they can manage both zone and man-to-man defenses with their children.
Guzman took action a few months after his son arrived. He was informed that a 2-3 day recovery period was necessary to reduce swelling and discomfort.
He initially pondered scheduling his vasectomy around the Super Bowl or Masters Tournament weekend.
Ultimately, he opted for a “long sports” experience, as March Madness lasts about three weeks. This tournament seemed like the perfect opportunity for him.
What is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a quick, minimally invasive procedure that takes about 10 to 30 minutes, done under local anesthesia. It involves cutting and sealing the vas deferens, the tube responsible for carrying sperm.
Guzman shared that he felt “a bit of pressure” during the surgery but nothing particularly painful.
“Many expect high levels of pain and extended downtime after a vasectomy,” explained the doctor. “I often ask men if they really need to spend several days in bed post-surgery.”
This procedure effectively prevents sperm from entering semen and is almost 100% reliable in avoiding pregnancy.
“There’s no impact on erection, ejaculation, orgasm, sensation, urination, or testosterone levels,” he added. “For most men, the only noticeable change is a 5% decrease in ejaculate volume, which isn’t significant.”
Is it guaranteed to prevent pregnancy?
Not necessarily. Just ask former NFL cornerback Antonio Cromartie Sr., who famously had twins with his wife despite having a vasectomy back in 2016.
Earlier this year, a TikTok user revealed that she became pregnant nine months after her husband’s vasectomy.
While failure is very rare, it can happen if the vas deferens reconnects, due to surgical errors, or if unprotected sex occurs before semen analysis confirms infertility.
What does recovery feel like?
Guzman reported no complications, though there were some unexpected reactions.
“I noticed my heart rate monitor showing increased pulse,” he recalled.
“I wasn’t sure if it was due to my nerves about recovery or the game’s outcome,” the Iowa State fan added.
The doctor emphasized that resting on the couch during recovery is “very ideal.”
“We recommend waiting four days before engaging in activities involving core strain,” he mentioned. “A good sign is if you can do it without discomfort. That’s a good indicator.”
For men hesitant about proceeding, saving sperm is an option if they reconsider their desires for children.
Or, a vasectomy is reversible; reconnecting the vas deferens typically takes about three hours under general anesthesia.
Guzman expressed satisfaction with having two kids.
“We’re both content with our family size—it’s something we mutually agreed on,” he noted. “I thought, getting a vasectomy is the least I can do.”
