A Methodological Critique of Research on Psychological Effects of Vasectomy

Abstract

Vasectomy, a minor surgical contraceptive operation for men, is an increasingly popular birth control method chosen by those who plan no (or no more) children. While most of the substantial literature on the subject contains very favorable retrospective reports by vasectomized men and their wives, questions continue to be raised by some investigators about possibly adverse psychological effects both for the vasectomized man and his spouse. Unfortunately, because of methodological defects in the research in this area, there is very little definitive evidence on the psychological impact of vasectomy. We identify the flaws in most published research on the topic and suggest ethically acceptable rigorous research designs that will yield more definitive information about the psychological consequences of vasectomy. It is important to know whether vasectomy constitutes a psychological risk; it is equally important to discover whether vasectomy has the anxiety-reducing and health-promoting effects most vasectomized men report.

Contraceptive sex acceptability: a commentary, synopsis and agenda for future research

“…The bulk of studies on the sexual acceptability of vasectomy were conducted several decades ago, with most studies showing high sexual satisfaction among both sterilized men and their partners [81, 82], but with others raising questions about the possible adverse sexual [83] and psychological [84] effects on men. A 2010 population-based study in Australia (N=3,390) found that sexual problems were equally common in vasectomized and non-vasectomized men [85].…”

A Follow‐up of Vasectomy Clients in Rural Bangladesh

“…One of the major advantages of vasectomy is that it is a sure, irreversible method of contraception which requires only one-time motivation. This very advantage also necessitates that special discretion is exercised in the selection of the clients (1,4,5,9,10,12).…”

Vasectomy: A two-tier follow-up

“…A second group of 356 males (Group 2) who had undergone vasectomy in 1972 or 1973 was studied between six and 18 months after sterilization, and the results were compared with those of Group 1. In the design we have tried to minimize the methodological mistakes formulated by Wiest and Janke (1974) : 1) We did not use selected clients, 2) Most clients did not know the researcher, 3) We used two independent groups, which mutually served as control groups, and 4) We used anonymous questionnaires which may have depressed researcher bias.…”