Sterilization, male and female combined, is the most common use of contraception in the United States.
Despite the lower risk, higher cost-efficacy, and high efficacy of vasectomy compared with female sterilization, more US women rely on female sterilization than male sterilization. Reasons for low use of vasectomy include lack of knowledge and misconceptions about the procedure, lack of access, provider bias, and patient preferences. This article will provide a basic overview of male and female sterilization, an exploration of vasectomy barriers, and ways obstetrician-gynecologists can increase vasectomy uptake including regular recommendation of vasectomy to patients in long-term committed relationships considering sterilization.
Written by:
Shih G, Zhang Y, Bukowski K, Chen A. Are you the author?
Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, University of California, Los Angeles, California.
Reference: Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2014 Dec;57(4):731-40.
doi: 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000060
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 25314085