A study of physicians' interest in advising (recommending) vasectomy in Egypt

Sterilization is a permanent and an effective method of contraception. However, fertility rates increased in Egypt, lately; sterilization is rarely utilized. Psychosocial factors and religious issues are considered in all societies. To find out physicians' perception of vasectomy as a permanent contraceptive method and factors that might influence recommending vasectomy in Egypt. A cross- sectional questionnaire based study. The study included 181 physicians practicing, as gynecologist and family planning doctors, in Egypt. The questionnaire was designed to explore the physicians' perception of vasectomy and their attitudes to advise Egyptian men to undergo the procedure. 94/181 (52%) physicians positively perceived vasectomy as the best method of permanent contraception but only 45/181 (24.9%) advised the procedure. Positive perception was associated with advice of vasectomy (P=0.001). The majority, 119/136 (87.5%) physicians, did not recommend vasectomy for: a possible post vasectomy sexual dysfunction, anticipation of non-acceptance of vasectomy by Egyptian men, religious issues and concerns regarding regaining future fertility when needed. The majority, 43/45 (95.5%) physicians recommended vasectomy when female contraception was contraindicated or when couples completed their families. However more than half of physicians had a positive perception of vasectomy, only 24.9% advised Egyptian men to undergo the procedure. Sociocultural factors and religious issues hindered physicians to recommend vasectomy in Egypt. Vasectomy was recommended when it was absolutely needed.