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UPJ INSIGHT Changes in Vasectomy Consults and Procedures Following Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization
By: Alex Zhu, DO, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Catherine S. Nam, MD, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Devon Gingrich, BA, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor; Nik Patel, BS, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor; Kristian Black, MD, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Juan J. Andino, MD, MBA, University of California, Los Angeles; Stephanie Daignault-Newton, MS, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Jaya Telang, BS, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan; James M. Dupree, MD, MPH, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Susanne Quallich, PhD, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Dana Ohl, MD, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Miriam Hadj-Moussa, MD, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor | Posted on: 20 May 2024
Zhu A, Nam CS, Gingrich D, et al. Short-term changes in vasectomy consults and procedures following Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Urol Pract. 2024;11(3):517-525. doi:10.1097/UPJ.0000000000000528
Study Need and Importance
On June 24, 2022, the US Supreme Court issued its decision on Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization (Dobbs), which stated that the US Constitution does not confer a right to abortion. Shortly afterward, news outlets anecdotally reported an increase in men seeking vasectomies. However, it was still unclear how Dobbs impacted the decision of men to pursue vasectomy. In response, we performed a retrospective review of men who completed a vasectomy consultation and/or procedure in Michigan between 4 time periods. We analyzed the number and characteristics of men presenting for vasectomy in the 6 months following Dobbs (June 24, 2022-December 24, 2022) and compared this to the same periods before Dobbs in 2019 to 2021.
What We Found
In the 6 months after Dobbs, there was a 150% and 160% increase in vasectomy consults and procedures completed, respectively, compared to a similar time frame in 2019 to 2021. There were no differences in the age, race, religion, median household income, or insurance type of men seeking vasectomy consult pre- vs post-Dobbs. However, men presenting for vasectomy consult following Dobbs were more likely to be nonmarried and without children.
Limitations
Our study was completed in Michigan and may not be representative of the nation as a whole. As of November 2023, there were 25 states with similar abortion protections as Michigan. Preliminary studies have suggested differences in vasectomy interest based on the legal status of abortion within each state.
Interpretation for Patient Care
Our findings suggest that men may be taking more responsibility over their reproductive health following Dobbs. Clinicians should expect an increased interest from patients to discuss vasectomy. Additionally, steps should be taken to address the well-documented shortage of providers who perform vasectomy. Moving forward, it will be crucial to understand whether this interest in vasectomies is sustained nationally.
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