Men Who Have Undergone Vasectomy are Healthier Than Non-sterilized Fertile Men: An Analysis of the Nation Survey for Family Growth

Abstract

To evaluate the health status of men who have undergone vasectomy versus nonsterilized fertile men. Using the National Survey for Family Growth from 2002 to 2017, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed on demographic and health data, including health status and health care utilization. Men who have undergone vasectomy are more likely to be older, healthier, have more children, identify as non-Hispanic white, be married, have a higher level of education, earn a higher mean household income, and were more likely to be privately insured than non-sterilized fertile men. On multivariate analysis, men who underwent vasectomy had a better health status despite being older. There are significant socioeconomic and health differences between men who elect vasectomy and non-sterilized fertile men. These differences should be considered when considering using sterilized men as a proxy for proven fertile men in epidemiological studies.