Postvasectomy SA: Risk Factors For Noncompliance

Main Category: Urology / Nephrology
Article Date: 02 Jul 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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ORLANDO, FL (UroToday.com) - Vasectomy is a popular method of permanent contraception. However, failure may result in unwanted pregnancy and litigations. Effectiveness of vasectomy needs to be proven with semen analysis. Yet, failure to comply with submission of post vasectomy semen analysis.

The goal of this study was to investigate patients demographic characteristics as possible objective preoperative risk factors associated with higher noncompliance rate.

Of 214 patients 99 (46.2%) provided no PVSA. Rate of noncompliance was higher in men younger than 35 years, with four or more children, smokers, and those with lower educational level. Marital status had no impact on postoperative compliance.

The authors conclude that a "more thorough approach to vasectomy counseling and timely reminder of upcoming SA in these patients may help to improve compliance and prevent possible medical and legal repercussions."

Editorial Comment: Since over 500.000 vasectomies are performed a year, the lack of compliance with instructions to provide post operative semen analysis remains a significant potential problem for urologists. The strategy that has been demonstrated to improve compliance is the making of postoperative semen analysis appointments at the time of vasectomy. This also facilitates the tracking of patients by the physician.

Presented by Alek Mishail, MD, Jacqueline Lee, MS, David Schulsinger, MD, and Yefim R Sheynkin, MD, at the Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA) - May 17 - 22, 2008. Orange County Convention Center - Orlando, Florida, USA.

Reported by UroToday.com Contributing Editor Harris M. Nagler, MD

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