Vasectomy Procedures on the Rise in France From 2010 to 2022

Abstract

Context: While the annual rate of vasectomy has dropped worldwide, we have little knowledge of its prevalence in France.

Objective: To describe the use of vasectomy in France from 2010 to 2022.

Methods: This population-based study relied on the French national health data system (SNDS, 99.5% of the population). We described the use of vasectomy in France (2010-2022) by men aged 18-70, and compared changes in sterilization practices for both genders. We then focused on men's characteristics, assessed incidence rates (Poisson distribution), and sought sperm preservation procedures, postvasectomy semen analyses (PVSA) and complications.

Results: In total, 109,544 vasectomies were performed from 2010 to 2022 on French men aged 18-70. There was a substantial rise in the number of vasectomies, which increased 15-fold (1,940 in 2010 vs. 30,288 procedures in 2022). In 2022, male sterilizations outnumbered female sterilizations by a ratio of 3:2. On average, men were younger over time and appeared to live in areas that are more privileged. Preoperatively, 6.8% of men opted for sperm cryopreservation. Post-vasectomy complications were rare (1.0%) and 64.7% of men underwent PVSA. We estimated the crude incidence of vasovasostomy was estimated at 0.56 [0.57-0.87] per 1000 person-years. The SNDS cannot provide information on the partners and the parity of the men in the study.

Conclusions: Our study shows that the practice of vasectomies performed in France has increased significantly over the last 12 years. Researchers will have to repeat this study in the coming years to confirm or refute this trend.

Keywords: male contraception; sterilization; vasectomy.

FIGURE 1

Male and female sterilizations in France in 2010–2022, the male/female sterilization ratio, and the incidence of vasectomy in France per 100,000 men aged 20–70 years (in italics).