(46) VASECTOMY: PREVALENCE AND SEX LIFE

Abstract Objectives Although vasectomy is a very safe and effective contraceptive procedure with few side effects, men often fear that this procedure could have a negative impact on their sex life. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of vasectomy among middle-aged men in Germany and to investigate possible associations between a previous vasectomy and factors of sex life. Methods Data on sociodemographics, sexual activity, and satisfaction with sex life from heterosexual men of the Bavarian Men's Health-Study were analyzed. Validated questionnaires, such as the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-6), the Erection-Hardness-Score and the Sexual-Complaints-Screener for Men were used to record the presence of the following sexual dysfunctions: Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and low libido. Results The analysis included 2,330 men with a mean age of 50.4 ± 0.8 years. Vasectomy was performed in 12.6% (n=294) on average 9.2 ± 5.8 years ago. 88.2% had a steady partner (with vasectomy 95.9%, without vasectomy 87.1%; p<0.001) and 73.3% had children (with vasectomy 86.7%, without vasectomy 71.4%; p<0.001). 80.8% were satisfied with their sex life (with vasectomy 85.6%, without vasectomy 80.1%; p=0.027). Erectile dysfunction was recorded in 13.5% of vasectomized men (without vasectomy 20.5%; p=0.005), premature ejaculation in 6.7% (without vasectomy 5.1%; p=0.289) and low libido in 4.8% (without vasectomy: 7.0%; p=0.159). In multiple logistic regression vasectomy was associated with a lower risk of erectile function (OR 0.61; 95%CI 0.42-0.89), there was no association with premature ejaculation (OR 1.49; 95%CI 0.86-2.59) and low libido (OR 0.66; 95%CI 0.36-1.18) respectively. Conclusions The results of this study can allay patients’ fears about vasectomy. Vasectomy represents a safe contraceptive method with no evidence of negative impact on men's sexual function, sexual frequency or satisfaction with sex life. Conflicts of Interest none