Psychological correlates of vasectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the thoughts and concerns of men contemplating vasectomy before speaking to a physician as well as their partner's role in reaching this decision.


METHODS
A questionnaire analysis using response rates, ANOVA, and regression analyses.


METHODS
A large Midwestern teaching hospital.


METHODS
Visitors to the urology clinic of the hospital.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
[1] Questionnaire designed by authors. [2] Measures of self-concept, relationship satisfaction, and problem-solving abilities.


RESULTS
[1] Subjects had been considering vasectomy for an average of 1 year and were fairly certain of their decision. [2] Anxiety about vasectomy surgery was mostly driven by fear about pain and fear of the unknown. [3] Concerns about the finality of the procedure did not emerge as a big concern. [4] There is confusion about the reversibility of the procedure. [5] Subjects are better problem solvers and have a higher self-concept than people in general.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings demonstrate the need for adequate prevasectomy counseling, particularly in the area of postoperative expectations, as well as reversibility of the procedure.
Sandlow
J I
JI
Department of Urology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA. jay-sandlow@uiowa.edu
Westefeld
J S
JS
Maples
M R
MR
Scheel
K R
KR
D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain; D011340:Problem Solving; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014659:Vasectomy / Q000523:psychology*