Psychosocial and medical effects of vasectomy in a sample of health plan subscribers.

ABSTRACT

PIP: 33 vasectomized men were compared with 33 nonvasectomized men who were members of the health plan at the Kaiser Foundation Hospital, Portland, Oregon. The 1st study used data from a structured interview to examine psychosocial adjustment, masculinity, and rigidity. Little difference was found between the 2 groups except that vasectomized men reporter greater marital happiness and better health and appetite. This may be due to lack of worry about pregnancy. Health plan records were examined for illness as part of the 2nd study. Both groups had similar treatment records and vasectomized men did not have more ailments with strong psychological components than nonvasectomized.