Masculinity as a Determinant of Men's Vasectomy Utilization

Objectives. To examine how men's characteristics and traditional masculine attitudes are associated with vasectomy utilization in the United States. Methods. Using 2022-2023 National Survey of Family Growth data on men aged 30 to 49 years (n = 2278), we conducted descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression to assess how sociodemographic characteristics and traditional masculine attitudes are associated with undergoing vasectomy. Results. Approximately 1 in 9 men (11.9%) reported undergoing vasectomy. Men who agreed that men have greater sexual needs than women were more likely to report having ever had a vasectomy (adjusted odds ratio = 1.86; 95% confidence interval = 1.24, 2.80). Other masculine attitudes were not significantly associated with vasectomy utilization. Conclusions. Gender beliefs are an important and overlooked component of male contraceptive behavior. Men may view vasectomies as a means to maintain sexual continuity by reducing reliance on female-controlled contraception, suggesting opportunities to reframe vasectomy utilization within public health messaging. (Am J Public Health. 2026;116(8):1116-1120. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2026.308558).