An in-depth study of vasectomized men in Latin America: a preliminary report.

Abstract

172 men from the urban areas of Bogota and Cali, Colombia and 77 men from the urban area of San Jose, Costa Rica who had received vasectomies in 1971 were interviewed between January and March 1972 to determine characteristics of acceptors and their attitudes prior to and following the vasectomy. The men were between 30 and 44 years old, married, with an average of 5.7 children, mostly Roman Catholic (77.5%). 75.4% had completed primary school; 36.5% were specialized workers and craftsmen; 20.5% were unskilled or manual laborers. 41.8% learned about vasectomy through the mass media. Most men were satisfied with all aspects of the operation, convalescence, sexual and social relations after the vasectomy, and post emotional state and physical health. 98% said they would have the operation over again; 68.6% said the vasectomy had made a positive difference in their lives. When adequate information is available, some Latin American men do choose vasectomy (contradicting their stereotyped image of machismo and the presumed influence of the Catholic Church). Mass media and the influence of satisfied vasectomized males shape attitudes towards vasectomy in Latin America.