Usage of Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive Methods (LARC) in couples attending for vasectomy counselling.
OBJECTIVE
Vasectomy is a safe and effective method of permanent contraception. A proportion of men will regret the procedure and some may experience chronic testicular pain. National recommendations in the UK advocate that couples requesting sterilization should be counselled and given access to Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive (LARC) methods. This study aims to ascertain usage of LARC methods in couples attending for vasectomy counselling.


METHODS
A case notes review of 200 consecutive couples attending for vasectomy counselling between January and May 2006.


RESULTS
Most couples were using condoms for contraception (51%) prior to vasectomy counselling. Only 11% of couples were using a LARC and 25% of couples had ever used one. The copper intrauterine device was the most popular LARC with 16% having ever used it; hormonal LARCs were unpopular. Some couples (9.5%) expressed dissatisfaction with current methods and associated health risks.


CONCLUSIONS
Usage of LARC methods was low but similar to that of the background population in the UK. Couples attending for vasectomy are seeking effective contraception but prefer non-hormonal methods. LARC uptake in the UK is poor; there is a need for wider education and awareness of all LARC methods including side effects and safety.
Moses
Sharon
S
Department of Contraception, Sexual & Reproductive Health Services, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK. smoses@doctors.org.uk
Oloto
Emeka
E
D000328:Adult; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003268:Contraception Behavior; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000145:classification / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007434:Intrauterine Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom; D014659:Vasectomy
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female