Vasectomy as a contraceptive method

The paper reports a series of 1,000 consecutive vasectomies, mostly self referrals, performed at a family planning clinic. Comprehensive counseling was a mandatory prerequisite, the average time spent considering vasectomy prior to counseling was 22 months. The couples characteristics were as follows: age 30-39 years, married 11.3 years, with 3.4 children, upper social class preponderance. To minimise the risk of recanalisation (0.2%), 20 mm of vas deferens was resected. In the early part of the series, inflammatory tissue reaction due to slow absorption of synthetic suture posed a minor problem which was subsequently eliminated by use of a soft gut variety. The majority (99%) was pleased with the procedure and did not suffer complications. One per cent experienced some psycho-sexual problems such as decreased libido, ejaculatory problems, depression. Based on data collected from other centres we estimate that 3,303 sterilizations were performed in Ireland in 1986 with a male:female ratio of 3.2.