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.
Department of Urology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA. jay-sandlow@uiowa.edu
J I
JI
Sandlow
J S
JS
Westefeld
M R
MR
Maples
K R
KR
Scheel
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*