Choice of contraceptive sterilisation : vasectomy or tubal sterilisation

Abstract

To investigate the variables associated with selection of vasectomy or tubal sterilisation among couples choosing contraceptive sterilisation, 20 male volunteers and 20 female volunteers were interviewed in their homes, with their spouses where possible. Fourteen couples in which the husband underwent vasectomy and 14 in which the wife underwent tubal sterilisation formed the study sample. The interview schedule contained items assessing demographic variables, fertility history, family formation, sexual activities and the predicted effects of the surgery on these, conjugal role relationship, attitudes towards population limitation, knowledge of the physiology of the procedures, reasons for choosing sterilisation and reasons for choosing the procedure selected. Vasectomy couples were better educated than tubal sterilisation couples and other couples of their ages in the A.C.T.; tubal sterilisation couples were more likely to have experienced obstetric difficulties; vasectomy couples had been more successful family planners; the person undergoing the surgery in all couples expected more frequent sexual activity and more sexual enjoyment after surgery than the other partner; the vasectomy couples were better informed about the physiology of the procedures, and couples gave different reasons for choosing the procedure selected.