A Cross-Sectional Survey of Factors Affecting Motivation to Undergo Vasectomy: Does the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization Decision Matter?

PURPOSE: Recent changes in the reproductive healthcare environment in the United States have raised questions about how external factors influence decisions regarding permanent contraception. We explored patient motivations underlying the desire for elective sterilization among patients undergoing vasectomy post the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision.

METHODS

A single-institution retrospective cohort with a prospective cross-sectional survey of patients who underwent vasectomy from July 1, 2022, through January 31, 2023, was conducted. Eligible men were contacted for a post-vasectomy telephone survey to capture patient motivations and experiences regarding their decision to undergo vasectomy.

RESULTS

From surveys of 60 male participants, we identified several factors related to the Dobbs decision that were associated with the participants' decision to undergo a vasectomy. Participants with no children comprised 20% of the sample and reported concerns with accessing abortion care and the recent reversal of Roe v. Wade, which was associated with vasectomy choice (p<0.05). Participants who were dating and cohabiting were more likely to be associated with reports of these concerns as influences on their decision (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Access to abortion care and recent Supreme Court decisions appear to be important influences on participants' decision-making prior to vasectomy, particularly for participants without children. A better understanding of the motivations behind the decision to undergo a vasectomy allows for improved patient counseling regarding the intended permanence of the procedure and improved understanding of the changing reproductive healthcare landscape.