The effects of vasectomy on postoperative psychological adjustment and self-concept

Twenty men undergoing vasectomies completed the Tennessee Self Concept Scale shortly before the operation and again at 6- and 18-month postoperative follow-up periods. Twenty nonvasectomy comparison subjects completed the test at the same points in time. Results indicated that vasectomy adversely affects psychological adjustment, and this effect fluctuates over time as a function of preoperative level of defensiveness. In contrast, vasectomy was not found to effect changes in self-concept.