Vasectomy and vasectomy reversals, active component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2000-2017.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Reproductive Health
• Military Medicine

Background:

• Vasectomy is a common form of male sterilization.
• Understanding vasectomy trends in military populations is important for reproductive health planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the incidence, trends, and characteristics of vasectomies performed in active component service members between 2000 and 2017.
• To examine vasectomy reversal rates and associated demographic factors.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study using data from active component service members.
• Analysis of vasectomy incidence rates, procedure types, and repeat vasectomies.
• Examination of vasectomy reversal rates and demographic predictors.

Main Results:

• Over 170,000 vasectomies were performed, with an overall incidence rate of 8.6 per 1,000 person-years.
• Conventional vasectomy was predominant (>99%). Repeat vasectomies occurred in 2.2% and reversals in 1.8%.
• Higher rates were observed in men aged 30-39, non-Hispanic whites, married men, and pilots/air crew. Rates increased in older age groups and pilots over time. Reversal likelihood decreased with age, but was higher in Black and Hispanic men.

Conclusions:

• Vasectomy incidence in service members showed a slight increasing trend, with specific demographic and occupational groups exhibiting higher rates.
• Vasectomy reversal rates declined with age, with certain racial/ethnic groups more likely to undergo reversals.