A long-term follow-up of 108 vasectomized men. Good counselling routines are important

Contraceptive sterilization of men and women was made legal in Sweden in 1976. Males presently account for approximately 20% of the 8-10,000 people sterilized yearly in the country. Only few long-term follow-ups have been performed on Swedish men. Since 1983 preoperative counselling of men has been available in the county of Blekinge at family planning clinics. Prior to this counselling was available only at urologic or surgical departments. To evaluate long term satisfaction and the new counselling possibilities, all men vasectomized in Blekinge during 1985-1986 (n = 108) were investigated by a mailed questionnaire 2 years and 7 years after the operation. Response rates were 98% after 2 years and 96% after 7 years. 93% of the responding men were satisfied with their vasectomy when asked after 2 years. 95% reported satisfaction 5 years later. Problems mentioned concerned sexual performance, long lasting pain, and wanting children in new relationships. Regret was not encountered among the 25% who had been counselled at family planning centers.