Q&A: Common misconceptions about vasectomies and reversals

Key takeaways:

• Misconceptions about vasectomies include sexual dysfunction and low testosterone.
• An increasing number of patients are undergoing vasectomies.

Nov. 17 is World Vasectomy Day. It is recognized each November to raise awareness about the role of male contraceptives in family planning.

Recent research has suggested that more Americans are opting for vasectomies and other forms of permanent contraception since the Dobbs v. Jackson decision removed a federal right to abortion.

Healio spoke with Sarah C. Vij, MD, a urologist at the Cleveland Clinic who has performed approximately 1,500 vasectomies during her career, about this trend, as well as common misconceptions about vasectomies and vasectomy reversals, and more.

Healio: Have you seen an uptick in vasectomies following the Dobbs decision? If so, how long do you anticipate this trend will continue?

Vij: Yes, and many institutions reported this. We do not yet have data on whether this trend is continuing. We are doing more vasectomies year over year. Whether that is due to Dobbs is hard to tease out.

Healio: What are some common misconceptions about vasectomies and vasectomy reversals?

Vij: Common misconceptions about vasectomy are that these:

• can cause sexual dysfunction, low testosterone, prostate cancer and heart disease (none of these are true);
• often lead to tough recovery and prolonged discomfort; and
• require general anesthesia (most are done under local anesthesia).

Common misconceptions about vasectomy reversal include that these:

• rarely work (the success rate is very high, particularly if less than 15 years from vasectomy); and
• are covered by insurance (these rarely are).

Healio: What other male contraceptives are in the pipeline? What role do you think these will have in the future for family planning?

Vij: There are many options in the pipeline — injectable agents that are temporary, oral options. If these pan out, they will increase reversible contraceptive options for men.

Healio: What is your message to primary care providers on World Vasectomy Day?

Vij: Vasectomy is a great method of permanent contraception for men. It is a low-risk, office procedure with minimal down time. If your male patients are done fathering children, please refer them for this procedure if they are interested.

References:

• Bole R, et al. Int J Impot Res. 2023;doi:10.1038/s41443-023-00672-x.
• Schardein J, et al. O-45. Presented at: ASRM Scientific Congress & Expo; Oct. 14-18, 2023; New Orleans.
• World Vasectomy Day. https://wvd.org/. Accessed Nov. 14, 2023.