Psychological screening for vasectomy.

286 men presenting for vasectomy were interviewed preoperatively as a psychological screening; their wives were interviewed separately. Age range was from 23-49 years. Number of children tended to be small (mean, 2.7 children/couple). The length of time the couple was married varied widely (5-25 years). In this screening interview special reference was made to emotional and sexual difficulties in the marriage. Contraceptive history and sexual practice were also elicited. Serious chronic physical illness was reported in 10% of wives and 19% had histories of obstetrical and gynecological problems. Reasons for deciding on vasectomy were varied, but generally revolved around the absolute effectiveness of the procedure and the need to unburden the wife of contraceptive responsibility. Vasectomy was refused in 26 men and in another 11 cases the procedure is being deferred; the main contraindications were sexual difficulties and in stability within the marriage (vasectomy reversal requests often follow divorce).