UCLA

Introduction

On June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court issued their decision on Dobbs vs Jackson Women's Health Organization (Dobbs). This decision had major implications on female reproductive choices, but also had potential implications on their male counterparts. We sought to determine the association of Dobbs with the number and characteristics of men seeking vasectomy.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed to determine the number of vasectomy consults and procedures completed at a single Michigan health system in the 6 months following Dobbs (6/24/2022 - 12/24/2022) versus the same 6-month time frame between 2019 to 2021. Another retrospective review was conducted in the 3 months following Dobbs (6/24/2022 - 9/24/2022) versus the same days in 2021 to determine the number of vasectomy consults completed and to evaluate for differences in the characteristics of these men.

Results

In the 6 months after Dobbs, there was a 150% and 160% increase in vasectomy consults and procedures completed, compared to a similar time frame in 2019 to 2021. In the 3 months after Dobbs, there was a 225% increase in new vasectomy consults compared to a similar time frame in 2021. There were no differences in the age, race, religion, median household income or insurance type of men seeking vasectomy consult pre-versus post-Dobbs. Partnerless men (OR 3.66) and those without children (OR 2.85) were more likely than married men and those with 3 or more children, respectively, to seek vasectomy consult post-Dobbs.

Conclusions

Dobbs was associated with a marked increase in vasectomy consultations and procedures at our institution in the state of Michigan. Future studies are needed to determine the long-term implications of Dobbs on vasectomy practices, and determine if vasectomy practices differ by states and their respective abortion laws.