(383) Viewpoints of Patients Regarding Their Reasons for Undergoing a Vasectomy: Impact of the Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Decision

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Vasectomy is an inexpensive surgical procedure to achieve permanent contraception. Current literature indicates that couples opt for vasectomy for various reasons, examples include satisfaction with size of family, financial constraints, age barriers, lack of confidence in other contraceptive options, concern about spouse’s health with other methods, and avoidance of unwanted pregnancies. Objective The main objective of this study is to assess the views and reasons that our patients choose a vasectomy to evaluate if there have been changes to reasons to get this procedure after the recent Dobbs decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade. Methods An anonymous survey was sent via REDCap to patients who have received vasectomy treatment from our institution’s Department of Urology in the last two years (N=57, 52.6% pre-Dobbs ruling). Participants provided demographics, current contraceptive methods, and reasons and duration they considered a vasectomy procedure. Results Study Sample. Patients were 93.4% Caucasian, 87.3% heterosexual, 95.1% non-Hispanic or Latino, with a mean age of 37.5 (SD=5.92). All spoke English as a first language. 79.7% were married and the majority (77.1%) had been in their current relationship for more than 6 years. 77.3% had at least one child and 78.0% had at least one child over the age of 2 years. Mean income was $70,000-$100,000 and mean level of education obtained was a bachelor’s degree. Survey Results. We asked patients why they chose to have a vasectomy procedure and compared responses pre- vs. post-Dobbs-ruling. Patients after the Dobbs ruling were significantly more likely to indicate that they chose to have a vasectomy due to a concern about an inability to obtain abortion access (p=0.026). Patients after the Dobbs ruling were also significantly more likely to indicate that they chose to have a vasectomy because they did not want to bring children into the current political climate (p=0.002). Critically, other reasons for obtaining a vasectomy (e.g., feeling too old to have children, limited resources, lack of confidence in other contraceptive methods, health concerns) did not differ pre- vs. post-Dobbs ruling (ps>0.1). Conclusions In our study, we found that patients demonstrated concern for abortion inaccessibility after the Dobbs ruling and were more likely to obtain vasectomy due to this reason. Understanding patient viewpoints and reasons for seeking specific procedures and types of healthcare can better prepare our providers and surgeons to provide this care moving forward. Disclosure No.