Postvasectomy Semen Analysis Follow-Up
Postvasectomy Semen Analysis Follow-Up
Background: Many family physicians perform outpatient vasectomies in their office. Postvasectomy semen analysis (PVSA) is critical to establish the success of this sterilization procedure. We investigated the compliance rate of our patients with the PVSA over a 10-year period.
Methods: To determine compliance rates of men who have undergone vasectomy for recommended PVSA, a retrospective chart review in a private family practice clinic was performed. The records of all patients who underwent vasectomy from 1991 to 2001 were reviewed. Patients are instructed to return at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year for semen specimen evaluation to determine vasectomy success.
Outcome Measures: Records of 551 patients were reviewed. The age of the patient at the time of the vasectomy and number of PVSAs were evaluated. PVSA compliance rates were also correlated with age.
Results: In total, 233 (42%) men did not return for 6-week, 3-month, or 1-year PVSA. Of 551 men, 318 (58%) returned for 6-week PVSA, and 138 (25%) returned for 3-month PVSA. Only 44 (8%) of the 551 eligible for a 1-year analysis returned for PVSA.
Conclusions: Compliance with instructions to men undergoing vasectomy to return for PVSA is low both from the perspective of this study, as well as other studies evaluated. Older men are more likely to return for PVSA.
Male sterilization through vasectomy has become one of the most popular and safest means of birth control in the United States today. Approximately 12.6% of women using any of the available means of contraception in the United States are protected by their partners' vasectomies. Implementation of the No Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV) procedure has reduced the time required for the vasectomy procedure and also has reduced postvasectomy complications. As a part of the procedure, the patients and partners should be counseled on the importance of follow-up semen analysis. Confirmation of successful vasectomy should be accomplished through 2 consecutive azoospermic specimens. In most men, azoospermia is achieved within 4 to 6 months of vasectomy. Many men do not return for postvasectomy semen analysis (PVSA), which could leave their partners at risk for unplanned pregnancy and surgeons at risk for litigation. The purpose of this retrospective study was to review patient compliance with instructions to return for PVSA in one family physician's private practice office.
Background: Many family physicians perform outpatient vasectomies in their office. Postvasectomy semen analysis (PVSA) is critical to establish the success of this sterilization procedure. We investigated the compliance rate of our patients with the PVSA over a 10-year period.
Methods: To determine compliance rates of men who have undergone vasectomy for recommended PVSA, a retrospective chart review in a private family practice clinic was performed. The records of all patients who underwent vasectomy from 1991 to 2001 were reviewed. Patients are instructed to return at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year for semen specimen evaluation to determine vasectomy success.
Outcome Measures: Records of 551 patients were reviewed. The age of the patient at the time of the vasectomy and number of PVSAs were evaluated. PVSA compliance rates were also correlated with age.
Results: In total, 233 (42%) men did not return for 6-week, 3-month, or 1-year PVSA. Of 551 men, 318 (58%) returned for 6-week PVSA, and 138 (25%) returned for 3-month PVSA. Only 44 (8%) of the 551 eligible for a 1-year analysis returned for PVSA.
Conclusions: Compliance with instructions to men undergoing vasectomy to return for PVSA is low both from the perspective of this study, as well as other studies evaluated. Older men are more likely to return for PVSA.
Male sterilization through vasectomy has become one of the most popular and safest means of birth control in the United States today. Approximately 12.6% of women using any of the available means of contraception in the United States are protected by their partners' vasectomies. Implementation of the No Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV) procedure has reduced the time required for the vasectomy procedure and also has reduced postvasectomy complications. As a part of the procedure, the patients and partners should be counseled on the importance of follow-up semen analysis. Confirmation of successful vasectomy should be accomplished through 2 consecutive azoospermic specimens. In most men, azoospermia is achieved within 4 to 6 months of vasectomy. Many men do not return for postvasectomy semen analysis (PVSA), which could leave their partners at risk for unplanned pregnancy and surgeons at risk for litigation. The purpose of this retrospective study was to review patient compliance with instructions to return for PVSA in one family physician's private practice office.
