Effect of Vasectomy on Psychological Functioning

Abstract

Pie to postoperative changes in couples electing vasectomy are discussed. High satisfaction with the operation is found, along with apparently desirable changes in attitudes toward child rearing and views of self and spouse. There is, however, concurrent evidence (both on psychometric scales and on clinical ratings) of adverse psychological changes in both husband and wife and of reduced marital satisfaction as compared with similarly studied couples using ovulation-suppression contraception. The "therapeutic" effect of the study itself is presumed to have reduced some of the more apparent adverse effects reported in other studies. Hypotheses are discussed concerning the presumed challenge posed by vasectomy to a man's "masculinity," various ways in which this challenge is apparently met, and the implications of postoperatively modified behavior patterns for psychological functioning of both spouses and for the equilibrium of the marriages.