Vasectomy in Israel: motivations, satisfaction, regret, and healthcare counseling

Vasectomy is a simple, safe, and intended permanent surgical procedure for male contraception, yet its utilization in Israel remains low. This study aimed to characterize the demographic profile, motivations, decision-making process, satisfaction, and postoperative outcomes among Israeli men undergoing no-scalpel vasectomy.

A 14-item questionnaire was administered to men undergoing no-scalpel vasectomy at Assuta Medical Centre, Haifa, assessing demographics, decision-making, consultation, concerns, symptoms, satisfaction, and regret.

Of 55 invited patients, 35 (63.6%) completed the questionnaire. Most were married (65.7%) with two or three children; educational attainment was predominantly bachelor's degree (34.3%) or master's degree and above (28.6%); and 54.3% were employed in technology/high‑tech sectors. Primary motivations included avoidance of female contraceptive methods (80.0%), desire for permanent contraception (65.7%), procedural simplicity and safety (42.9%), and high efficacy (37.1%). Discussion initiation was by the male partner in 54.2% of cases, jointly in 22.9%, and by the female partner in 22.9%. Only 37.1% consulted a physician preoperatively, and few received a recommendation to proceed. Postoperatively, 60.0% reported mild symptoms (most commonly testicular discomfort); 48.6% resumed routine activities within three days and 40.0% resumed sexual activity within one to two weeks. Overall satisfaction was high-91.4% reported complete or general satisfaction; 100% reported no regret; and 91.4% would recommend vasectomy to others.

Among Israeli men undergoing no-scalpel vasectomy, satisfaction was high (91.4%) with no regret. Partner involvement facilitates couple-centered counseling. However, the low rate of preoperative counseling and the limited provision of proactive referrals may reflect provider-level gaps when compared with Western primary care systems. Standardized, multidisciplinary, primary-care-anchored counseling on risks, irreversibility, and psychosocial factors may reduce anxiety and enhance informed decision-making.