Vasectomies: Motivations and Attitude of Physicians-as-Patients

Abstract

Vasectomies have not been as widely favoured as have techniques of sterilization in Canada for some years, in spite of having a better morbidity and mortality record than tubal sterilizations. Physicians or others who themselves have had the procedure seem to be in an especially favourable position to describe accurately the advantages and risks of this surgery, as well as its alternatives. Questionnaires inquiring about reasons for choosing vasectomy were sent to 42 medical doctors who had undergone the procedure. Counsellors can usefully proffer to inquiring patients the same advantages that reportedly motivated the medical doctors: convenience, economy, and safety.