Relating economic conditions to vasectomy and vasectomy reversal frequencies: A multi-institutional study

Vidit Sharma, Sherwin Zargaroff, Kunj R. Sheth, Brian V. Le, James M. Dupree, Jay I. Sandlow, A. Scott Polackwich, Jason C. Hedges, Eugene F. Fuchs, Marc Goldstein, Robert E. Brannigan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose It was theorized that the use of permanent contraceptive methods may vary with economic conditions. We evaluated the relationship between vasectomy/vasectomy reversal frequencies at several large referral centers and national economic indicators during 2 recessions spanning 2001 to 2011. Materials and Methods We performed an institutional review board approved, retrospective chart review to identify the number of vasectomies/vasectomy reversals per month at several large referral centers from January 2001 to July 2011. The rates of these procedures were pooled, correlated with national economic data and analyzed in a multivariate linear regression model. Results A total of 4,599 vasectomies and 1,549 vasectomy reversals were performed at our institutions during the study period. The number of vasectomies per month positively correlated with the unemployment rate (r = 0.556, p <0.001) and personal income per capita (r = 0.276, p = 0.002). The number of reversals per month negatively correlated with the unemployment rate (r = -0.399, p <0.001) and personal income per capita (r = -0.305, p <0.001). Neither vasectomy nor vasectomy reversal frequency significantly correlated with the inflation rate or the S&P 500®. Regression models confirmed that the unemployment rate explained more of the variance in vasectomy/vasectomy reversal frequencies than other indicators. Conclusions We noted a correlation between the number of vasectomies/vasectomy reversals performed at our institutions and national economic indicators. The strongest association was with the unemployment rate. This points to the importance of financial pressure on family planning decisions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1835-1840
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Urology
Volume191
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2014

Keywords

  • income
  • testis
  • unemployment
  • vasectomy
  • vasovasostomy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Urology

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