ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 208: Benefits and Risks of Sterilization.

Female and male sterilization are both safe and effective methods of permanent contraception used by more than 220 million couples worldwide (). Approximately 600,000 tubal occlusions and 200,000 vasectomies are performed in the United States annually (2-4). For women seeking permanent contraception, sterilization obviates the need for user-dependent contraception throughout their reproductive years and provides an excellent alternative for those with medical contraindications to reversible methods. The purpose of this document is to review the evidence for the safety and effectiveness of female sterilization in comparison with male sterilization and other forms of contraception.

Vasectomy Reversal Surgical Patterns: An Analysis of the American Board of Urology Case Logs.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize vasectomy reversal practice patterns among American Board of Urology (ABU) certifying urologists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the ABU case logs for certifying urologists from 2008 to 2014. Vasectomy reversal procedures were identified by 3 current procedure terminology (CPT) codes: 55400 (vasovasostomy), 54900 (epididymovasostomy, unilateral), and 54901 (epididymovasostomy, bilateral). Demographic data were obtained and reviewed. Multivariate analysis determined the factors influencing the performance of surgical approach. RESULTS: There were 5167 urologists who submitted case logs for 2008-2014, and 9.4% (486) had performed at least one vasectomy reversal procedure. General urologists accounted for the highest overall volume of vasectomy reversal procedures. Andrology-trained urologists performed a higher volume of vasovasostomy per surgeon, and bilateral epididymovasostomy constituted a greater portion of their E-V practice. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that being in recertification years, being younger in age, practicing in the South Central, Southeast, and Western regions, and practicing in the largest and smallest practice areas were associated with being more likely to perform a vasectomy reversal procedure. CONCLUSION: Microsurgical vasectomy reversals are putatively considered technically challenging and reserved for fellowship-trained urologists, and the majority of vasectomy reversal surgeries were performed by general urologists. Given the known association between microsurgical technique and improved outcomes, greater emphasis should be placed on microsurgical training during urology residency.

Conducto deferente recanalizado / Recanalized vas deferens

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Impact of the 2012 American Urological Association vasectomy guidelines on postvasectomy outcomes in a military population.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the 2012 American Urological Association vasectomy guidelines on postvasectomy clinical outcomes in a highly mobile military cohort and compare these outcomes with those of civilian counterparts. METHODS: The records of service members who underwent vasectomy between January 2008 and December 2013 and provided at least 1 postvasectomy semen analysis (PVSA) were analyzed in the context of the 2012 guidelines. Time to occlusive success, repeat PVSAs and vasectomies, and health care cost savings were compared between our prior definition of vasectomy success, which required azoospermia, and the 2012 criteria, which included rare nonmotile sperm. RESULTS: Of the 1623 men who underwent vasectomy, 738 men (45%) failed to submit a PVSA, leaving 895 men (55%) who provided at least 1 PVSA. A total of 1084 PVSAs were obtained in these men, who had a mean age of 37 ± 6 years. Defining success as azoospermia on first PVSA resulted in a sterility rate of 69%. After application of the 2012 guidelines, 845 patients (94%) achieved sterility by the first PVSA and more patients achieved sterility 60 days from vasectomy (96% vs 72%; P <.001). Inclusion of rare nonmotile sperm in our definition of success would have allowed 228 men to forego a second PVSA and prevented 2 (0.002%) unnecessary vasectomies, a savings of $6297. CONCLUSION: PVSA compliance in our military cohort was similar to that of civilian counterparts. The American Urological Association vasectomy guidelines have the potential to decrease the number of repeat vasectomies and laboratory tests, improve the documented success rate, and increase follow-up compliance when applied to a military population.

Impact of the 2012 American Urological Association vasectomy guidelines on post-vasectomy outcomes.

PURPOSE: The 2012 American Urological Association (AUA) vasectomy guidelines recommend the finding of rare nonmotile sperm, representing 100,000 or fewer nonmotile sperm per ml, as a metric of post-vasectomy success. At our institution success was previously defined as 2 sequential azoospermic centrifuged semen pellets. The criteria change of including rare nonmotile sperm as a success end point may simplify post-vasectomy followup and decrease the number of post-vasectomy semen analyses required to assure occlusive success. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the context of the new 2012 guidelines we retrospectively reviewed and analyzed the records of 972 of the 1,740 vasectomies (55.9%) performed between January 2000 and June 2012 after which at least 1 post-vasectomy semen analysis was done. RESULTS: A total of 1,919 post-vasectomy semen analyses were obtained from 972 patients with a mean ± SE age of 39.7 ± 0.2 years. Occlusive success was evident in 337 azoospermic men (36.4%), while 514 (52.9%) underwent 2 or more post-vasectomy semen analyses and 458 (47.1%) returned for a single post-vasectomy semen analysis but were lost to followup. Of these noncompliant patients 76.0% were azoospermic, 19.7% had rare nonmotile sperm, 1.5% had greater than 100,000 nonmotile sperm per ml and 2.8% had motile sperm. Three patients underwent repeat vasectomy for persistent rare nonmotile sperm. If the criteria defined by the 2012 guidelines had been used to monitor these men, the occlusive success rate would have improved to 97.6% (949 patients) (p <0.05). Repeat vasectomies as well as 896 subsequent post-vasectomy semen analyses would have been avoided. CONCLUSIONS: The AUA vasectomy guidelines provide clear, evidence-based criteria for vasectomy success. The guidelines simplify followup protocols, improve patient compliance and help avoid unnecessary post-vasectomy semen analyses and repeat vasectomies.

Microsurgical transverse 2-suture intussusception vasoepididymostomy: effectiveness and rationality.

BACKGROUND: 2-Suture longitudinal vasoepididymostomy shows superiority to transverse technique in an animal study; to date, this has not been consistently confirmed in human body. In the present study, we evaluated the effectiveness of 2-suture transverse intussusception vasoepididymostomy and compared the rationality between transverse and longitudinal techniques. METHODS: From May 2007 to December 2008, we performed 2-suture transverse vasoepididymostomy in 19 consecutive patients, as described by Marmar with modification. Between March 2009 and January 2010, the internal diameter of the vas lumen and the outer diameter of the epididymal tube were measured using microruler (21 patients and 37 sides). RESULTS: Three patients lost to follow-up. At the first follow-up period (ranged from 10 to 24 months), the patency rate was 56.3% (9/16) and the natural pregnancy rate was 25% (4/16). At the second follow-up period (ranged from 46 to 63 months), the patency rate was 68.8% (11/16), the natural pregnancy rate was 37.5% (6/16), respectively, and the take-home baby rate was 31.3% (5/16). The diameter of the vas lumen and the outer diameter of the epididymal tubule were (0.512 ± 0.046) mm and (0.572 ± 0.051) mm (P < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: Transverse 2-suture intussusception vasoepididymostomy is still an effective technique in treating obstructive azoospermia.

Guía clínica de la Asociación Europea de Urología sobre la vasectomía / European Association of Urology Guidelines on Vasectomy

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Vasectomy: AUA guideline.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this guideline is to provide guidance to clinicians who offer vasectomy services. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of the literature using the search dates January 1949-August 2011 was conducted to identify peer-reviewed publications relevant to vasectomy. The search identified almost 2,000 titles and abstracts. Application of inclusion/exclusion criteria yielded an evidence base of 275 articles. Evidence-based practices for vasectomy were defined when evidence was available. When evidence was insufficient or absent, expert opinion-based practices were defined by Panel consensus. The Panel sought to define the minimum and necessary concepts for pre-vasectomy counseling; optimum methods for anesthesia, vas isolation, vas occlusion and post-vasectomy follow up; and rates of complications of vasectomy. This guideline was peer reviewed by 55 independent experts during the guideline development process. RESULTS: Vas isolation should be performed using a minimally-invasive vasectomy technique such as the no-scalpel vasectomy technique. Vas occlusion should be performed by any one of four techniques that are associated with occlusive failure rates consistently below 1%. These are mucosal cautery of both ends of the divided vas without ligation or clips (1) with or (2) without fascial interposition; (3) open testicular end of the divided vas with MC of abdominal end with FI and without ligation or clips; and (4) non-divisional extended electrocautery. Patients may stop using other methods of contraception when one uncentrifuged fresh semen specimen shows azoospermia or ≤ 100,000 non-motile sperm/mL. CONCLUSIONS: Vasectomy should be considered for permanent contraception much more frequently than is the current practice in the U.S. and many other nations. The full text of this guideline is available to the public at http://www.auanet.org/content/media/vasectomy.pdf.

[European Association of Urology guidelines on vasectomy]. / Guía clínica de la Asociación Europea de Urología sobre la vasectomía.

CONTEXT: The European Association of Urology presents its guidelines for vasectomy. Vasectomy is highly effective, but problems can arise that are related to insufficient preoperative patient information, the surgical procedure, and postoperative follow-up. OBJECTIVE: These guidelines aim to provide information and recommendations for physicians who perform vasectomies and to promote the provision of adequate information to the patient before the operation to prevent unrealistic expectations and legal procedures. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: An extensive review of the literature was carried out using Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from 1980 to 2010. The focus was on randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses of RCTs (level 1 evidence) and on well-designed studies without randomisation (level 2 and 3 evidence). A total of 113 unique records were identified for consideration. Non-English language publications were excluded as well as studies published as abstracts only or reports from meetings. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The guidelines discuss indications and contraindications for vasectomy, preoperative patient information and counselling, surgical techniques, postoperative care and subsequent semen analysis, and complications and late consequences. CONCLUSIONS: Vasectomy is intended to be a permanent form of contraception. There are no absolute contraindications for vasectomy. Relative contraindications may be the absence of children, age <30 yr, severe illness, no current relationship, and scrotal pain. Preoperative counselling should include alternative methods of contraception, complication and failure rates, and the need for postoperative semen analysis. Informed consent should be obtained before the operation. Although the use of mucosal cautery and fascial interposition have been shown to reduce early failure compared to simple ligation and excision of a small vas segment, no robust data show that a particular vasectomy technique is superior in terms of prevention of late recanalisation and spontaneous pregnancy after vasectomy. After semen analysis, clearance can be given in case of documented azoospermia and in case of rare nonmotile spermatozoa in the ejaculate at least 3 mo after the procedure.

European Association of Urology guidelines on vasectomy.

CONTEXT: The European Association of Urology presents its guidelines for vasectomy. Vasectomy is highly effective, but problems can arise that are related to insufficient preoperative patient information, the surgical procedure, and postoperative follow-up. OBJECTIVE: These guidelines aim to provide information and recommendations for physicians who perform vasectomies and to promote the provision of adequate information to the patient before the operation to prevent unrealistic expectations and legal procedures. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: An extensive review of the literature was carried out using Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from 1980 to 2010. The focus was on randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses of RCTs (level 1 evidence) and on well-designed studies without randomisation (level 2 and 3 evidence). A total of 113 unique records were identified for consideration. Non-English language publications were excluded as well as studies published as abstracts only or reports from meetings. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The guidelines discuss indications and contraindications for vasectomy, preoperative patient information and counselling, surgical techniques, postoperative care and subsequent semen analysis, and complications and late consequences. CONCLUSIONS: Vasectomy is intended to be a permanent form of contraception. There are no absolute contraindications for vasectomy. Relative contraindications may be the absence of children, age <30 yr, severe illness, no current relationship, and scrotal pain. Preoperative counselling should include alternative methods of contraception, complication and failure rates, and the need for postoperative semen analysis. Informed consent should be obtained before the operation. Although the use of mucosal cautery and fascial interposition have been shown to reduce early failure compared to simple ligation and excision of a small vas segment, no robust data show that a particular vasectomy technique is superior in terms of prevention of late recanalisation and spontaneous pregnancy after vasectomy. After semen analysis, clearance can be given in case of documented azoospermia and in case of rare nonmotile spermatozoa in the ejaculate at least 3 mo after the procedure.

Vasectomy: the other (better) form of sterilization.

Male sterilization (vasectomy) is the most effective form and only long-acting form of contraception available to men in the United States. Compared to female sterilization, it is more efficacious, more cost-effective, and has lower rates of complications. Despite these advantages, in the United States, vasectomy is utilized at less than half the rate of female sterilization. In addition, vasectomy is least utilized among black and Latino populations, groups with the highest rates of female sterilization. This review provides an overview of vasectomy use and techniques, and explores reasons for the disparity in vasectomy utilization in the United States.

Contraceptive sterilization use among married men in the United States: results from the male sample of the National Survey of Family Growth.

BACKGROUND: Surgical sterilization has many advantages. Previous information on prevalence and correlates was based on surveys of women. STUDY DESIGN: We estimated the prevalence of vasectomy and tubal ligation of partners for male participants in the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth, a nationally representative survey of US residents aged 15-44 years. We identified factors associated with sterilizations using bivariate and multivariate techniques. RESULTS: The findings revealed that 13.3% of married men reported having had a vasectomy and 13.8% reported tubal sterilization in their partners. Vasectomy increased with older age and greater number of biological children, non-Hispanic white ethnicity, having ever gone to a family planning clinic. Tubal sterilization use was more likely among men who had not attended college, those of older age and those with live births. DISCUSSION: One in eight married men reported having vasectomies. Men who rely on vasectomies have a somewhat different profile than those whose partners have had tubal sterilizations.

A community-based vasectomy service in Leicestershire and Rutland - The patients' perspective.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the community-based vasectomy service from the patients' perspective and consider service provision in terms of access, process, quality and outcome. METHOD: A prospective questionnaire was handed to 150 consecutive men attending for vasectomy from February to June 2007, for completion two weeks after surgery. Postal reminders were sent at four and eight weeks. RESULTS: The response rate was 73%, with 93% (n = 102) of the respondents considering the vasectomy unit to be of high quality. The comprehension of written information (93%) and the approachability of staff (83%) were both considered highly satisfactory. Most men were equivocal regarding proposed 'holistic' changes to the service. Men under 40 were more likely to be neutral or agree that vasectomy was embarrassing and preferred a male surgeon. The occurrence of complications did not affect satisfaction but increased the mean number of disturbed nights sleep and days taking analgesia. Suggestions for improvement pertained to the pre-operative information and the use of skin sutures. CONCLUSIONS: The patients' evaluation of our vasectomy unit identified areas for improvement and reinforced good clinical practice. More research is needed to clarify the impact of age, ethnicity and other factors on the accessibility, acceptability and experience of vasectomy.

Determining the success of vasectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To examine patient compliance, significance of rare nonmotile sperm (RNMS) and to determine the timing and number of semen analyses required to confirm sterility. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From November 2001 to November 2004, 436 consecutive primary vasectomies were performed by one surgeon. All patients were instructed to submit two initial semen specimens for analysis (2 and 3 months after vasectomy) and additional samples (at 1-month intervals) if sperm were identified on the initial and subsequent analyses. RESULTS: A quarter of the patients submitted no semen specimens and only 21% followed the full instructions to provide two consecutive negative semen analyses. Three-quarters of the patients provided a semen specimen at 8 weeks after vasectomy; of these, 75% were azoospermic and 25% contained sperm. At 12 weeks after vasectomy half the patients provided a semen specimen; of these, 91% were azoospermic and 9% contained sperm. Of the 83 patients with semen containing sperm at 8 weeks, 80 had RNMS and three had rare motile sperm (one of whom subsequently proved to have vasectomy failure). Of the 80 patients with RNMS, at 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 11 months, 65, four, three, four, two, one and one, respectively were azoospermic. CONCLUSIONS: The present results indicate that many patients are not compliant with the protocol after vasectomy. Provided patients have been adequately counselled, we think that one negative semen analysis at 3 months or one with RNMS at 2 months may be adequate to determine the success of vasectomy. This should reduce the number of semen analyses, including reducing the number of men who must undergo repeat testing, without sacrificing the accuracy of determining paternity. Simplifying the follow-up after vasectomy is important; not only would it be cost-effective but it may also improve patient compliance.

Vasectomy management in Morecambe Bay NHS Trust.

INTRODUCTION: Vasectomy is a common method of contraception in the UK. However, there is a wide variation in management protocols. The aim of the present study was to identify differences within the hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust and to recommend a uniform practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective case notes review of 395 vasectomy procedures performed within the Morecambe Bay NHS Trust in a 1-year period. RESULTS: Inconsistency was found with regards to the anaesthetic technique, the vas histology request and the timing of the semen analysis. The non-compliance rate for postvasectomy semen analysis was 33.4%. The complication and failure rates were 4.04% and 0.51%, respectively. Motile sperm (n = 4) was submitted at an average time of 8 weeks' postvasectomy. In half of those cases, vasectomy proved unsuccessful. Immotile sperm (n = 41) was submitted at an average time of 9.5 weeks and, in 80% of those men, semen cleared at an average time of 15.5 weeks' postvasectomy. An azoospermic (n = 285) sample was submitted at an average time of 10.5 weeks. Eleven of those men submitted a second sample with immotile sperm at an average time of 12 weeks' postvasectomy and that was eventually clear at 18 weeks in the majority of cases. CONCLUSIONS: A uniform vasectomy practice should include vasectomy under local anaesthesia if possible, no vas histology and a request for a single sample at 12 weeks. If this is clear, vasectomy should be considered successful. If any sperm are present, then a further sample should be requested at 16 weeks' postvasectomy. Immotile sperm at that time should not justify any further samples and a 'special clearance' should be issued to those men.