Postvasectomy semen analysis: are men following 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.