Vasectomy: a study of psychosexual and general reactions.

Abstract

This paper discusses a study in which the psychosexual changes and reactions of the vasectomized males at the Margaret Sanger Research Bureau were reported. In November 1971; a questionnaire was mailed to the first 236 consecutive clients who had the operation during the period October 1969 to September 1970. 189 responded giving a response rate of 80%. 28.2% reported greater sexual desire after vasectomy and 70.7% reported their desire was about the same. 1% said they had less sexual desire. The 2 men who reported less sexual desire also complained of physical discomfort or pain during intercourse. As to sexual enjoyment 64.4% reported more 35.1% reported it about the same and .05% stated they had less enjoyment after the operation. The person who reported less enjoyment was 60 years old. 35.6% reported an increase in sexual frequency 61.2% reported it about the same and 3.2% reported a decrease. With regard to mens self-evaluation of ejaculation (volume) 3/4 of the men reported no change while about 1/6 reported more and the remainder 1/12 less. The sexual desire or enjoyment of wives as perceived by their husbands seemed to have been reduced in 4 cases. 184 men responded when asked about changes in marital harmony. 62% had no change36% improved and 4 reported a decrease. Disharmony in 2 cases was not attributed to the vasectomy. Nearly 86% of the men discussed their operations frequently or occassionally with friends. Around 1/3 had adverse comments from their friends. Among those who did not discuss the operation most were Catholics. 98% of the patients expressed satisfaction and were quite willing to recommend the operation to others. 69% reported that the postoperative period was as expected while about 21% indicated that it was more uncomfortable due to pain or swelling and about 8% indicated that it took longer to heal than expected.