A few minutes of surgery for a lifetime of regret?—regret after vasectomy: prevalence and contributing factors

Background: Contraception has consistently been a significant concern for couples, facilitating autonomy in family planning, a highly desired aspect for many. This responsibility predominantly falls on women, who often perceive it as burdensome. In this context, vasectomy, a straightforward, expedient, and dependable procedure, has gained popularity in France and other countries. This emerging trend necessitates an examination of the ethical considerations surrounding potential patient regret. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of regret among patients treated at our center and to analyze the factors contributing to this sentiment. Methods: After exclusions, a retrospective chart review was conducted on 274 patients who underwent vasectomy at our center between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2022. The patients participated in semi-structured telephone interviews to assess their sociodemographic data and motivations. Results: The overall rate of regret was low at 2.2% (n=6). The primary reasons for regret included a change in partner (n=4), post-vasectomy pain syndrome (n=1), and reconsideration of parenthood (n=1). Men whose decision to undergo vasectomy was initiated by their partner were significantly more likely to experience regret (66.7% vs. 22.8%, P=0.03). Age, number of children, and socioeconomic status were not significantly associated with regret. Conclusions: Although regret among men following vasectomy is relatively rare, it appears to be influenced by the decision-making process, which includes personal relationships. These findings emphasize the need to ensure autonomous decision-making.