Comparative review of vasectomy guidelines and novel vasal occlusion techniques

Abstract

Vasectomy is the most commonly performed urologic procedure in the United States and is a highly effective form of male contraception. The introduction of guidelines by urological societies has standardized vasectomy care. Providers should be awadre of the rationale behind these guidelines, as well as key differences among them. While few major changes to vasectomy technique have been adopted over the past 40 years, new, reversible vasal occlusive technologies may affect delivery of male contraceptive care in the future. Here, we perform a comparative review of vasectomy guidelines from six urological societies worldwide. In addition, we report on the status of several experimental vasal occlusion methods that may be available in the next decade.

Keywords: best practices; contraception; vas occlusion; vasectomy.