Abstract

PIP: 4 groups of white English family planning clinic attendees were studied: 61 men having undergone a vasectomy 12 months previously; 58 men currently attending for vasectomy; 60 female partners of men currently undergoing vasectomy; and 52 women undergoing sterilization by tubal ligation. All patients completed a questionnaire which included questions on the reasons for selecting their chosen method, and attitudes towards permanent methods and hypothetical pills and injectable methods for men. Results showed that contraception was generally regarded as a mutual responsibility. This attitude was more pronounced in the vasectomy groups than among the sterilization women. Generally favorable reactions were elicited with respect to vasectomy, although a substantial proportion (40%) expressed a preference for alternative methods. Women undergoing sterilization exhibited predominantly negative attitudes towards this procedure. The implications of these findings, in terms of enhancing the acceptability of new male methods and improving subsequent adjustment to currently available permanent methods, are discussed.