Follow-up of vasectomy.

The object of this study was to determine the physical behavioral and emotional after-effects of vasectomy. The majority of operations were carried out at vasectomy camps. In the state of Maharashtra vasectomy operations increased from 257 in 1957 to 22813 in 1962; the number of camps increased from 2 to 482 in the same 5-year period. Organization of the camps is detailed. This follow-up study was made of a vasectomy camp at which 301 men were sterilized. The survey was conducted 2 years after operation and only 180 could be contacted for an interview. Husbands and wives were interviewed separately. Average age of the husband at time of operation was 39.6 years of the wife 31.1 years. Only 56.6% of the men were under age 40. Most were in the very low income class. 53% of the husbands had no education. Few husbands or wives had an education above primary level. Average number of living children was 5.3; average number of male children was 3. Every patient had at least 1 son at the time of operation; only 8% had only 1 living male child. 2.7% of patients complained of postoperative complications. At more than 2 years after operation 2 persons reported pain at the site of operation and 2 others had a painful swelling. 1 had a feeling of tension on lifting loads. More than 97% continued the same work as before. In 1 case a pregnancy occurred 1 1/2 years after vasectomy. Almost all the wives reported no change in their husbands sexual behavior after operation although some husbands reported less frequent sexual activity. Sex desire was reported as decreased in 21.7% of cases but there was no feeling of dissatisfaction with sex life. Of the husbands 78.4% reported no change in general health 14.4% thought it improved 7.2% said it had deteriorated. Sickness after vasectomy occurred in 4; 2 blamed their illness on the operation. Of the 180 husbands 92.2% had advised others to undergo vasectomy over 67% were willing to speak at group meetings in favor of the operation and all recommended vasectomy on socioeconomic grounds. None expressed regret for having had the vasectomy. All the wives were willing to advise other wives to consent if the husband wished to have a vasectomy. Emotional disturbance was not observed in any case. Community acceptance of vasectomy was considered good.