Post Vasectomy Semen Analysis Completion in Clinic-Based Versus Mail-In Testing

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Reproductive Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Post-vasectomy semen analysis (PVSA) is crucial for confirming vasectomy success.
• Traditional clinic-based PVSA may present logistical barriers for patients.
• Mail-in PVSA kits offer a potentially more accessible alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare post-vasectomy semen analysis (PVSA) completion rates between clinic-based and mail-in testing methods.
• To evaluate the impact of a protocol change on PVSA completion.
• To identify factors influencing PVSA adherence.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 966 patients undergoing vasectomy (January 2015-September 2023).
• Comparison of PVSA completion rates (within 6 months and overall) between clinic-based and mail-in groups.
• Statistical analysis using chi-squared tests, t-tests, odds ratios, and multivariable logistic regression.

Main Results:

• Significantly higher PVSA completion within six months for the mail-in group (83.42% vs 77.7%).
• No significant difference in overall PVSA completion rates between mail-in and clinic-based groups (80.57% vs 84.49%).
• Patient age and marital status were independently associated with PVSA completion in multivariable analysis.

Conclusions:

• Mail-in PVSA demonstrates comparable adherence to clinic-based methods.
• Testing modality is less influential on completion than patient age and marital status.
• Mail-in PVSA is a viable and effective option for post-vasectomy follow-up.