Vasectomy demographics and postvasectomy desire for future children: results from a contemporary national survey

ObjectiveTo describe the longitudinal demographics and family planning attitudes of vasectomized men with the use of the National Survey for Family Growth (NSFG).DesignRetrospective cohort analysis of the NSFG with the use of national projections and multivariable regressions.SettingIn-home survey.Patient(s)The NSFG sampled 10,403 men aged 15-45 years from 2006 to 2010 regarding family planning attitudes.Intervention(s)None.Main Outcome Measure(s)Vasectomy and desire for children.Result(s)There were 3,646,339 (6.6%) vasectomized men aged 18-45 years in the U.S. On multivariable regression the following factors increased the odds of having a vasectomy: currently married (odds ratio [OR] 7.814), previously married (OR 5.865), and increased age (OR 1.122) and income (OR 1.003). The odds of having a vasectomy increased with number of children. The following factors decreased the odds of having a vasectomy: immigrant status (OR 0.186), African American (OR 0.226), Hispanic (OR 0.543), Catholic (OR 0.549), and other non-Protestant religion (OR 0.109). Surprisingly, an estimated 714,682 (19.6%) vasectomized men in the U.S. desire future children. Men practicing a religion (OR 8.575-15.843) were more likely than atheists to desire children after vasectomy. 71,886 (2.0%) vasectomized men reported having a vasectomy reversal.Conclusion(s)This study highlights the importance of preoperative counseling for permanency of vasectomy and reveals an opportunity to counsel couples about vasectomy versus tubal ligation.