(246) SNIP, SUPPORT, AND SHARED STORIES: EXPLORING MEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH VASECTOMY THROUGH AN ONLINE FORUM
Authors: Sandler M , Best J , Masterson T 
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Estimates of total vasectomies performed in the United States each year range between 500-600,000. While all available data indicates vasectomies are safe, men and their partners are often concerned about post-operative pain or sexual dysfunction, such as changes in ejaculation characteristics or erectile dysfunction (ED). Research examining internet discussion groups to better understand men’s concerns and experiences with the procedure is limited. Examining online forums to see patients' information needs regarding vasectomy will allow physicians to provide evidence-based guidance, rather than anecdotal sources that people often rely on. Given recent restrictions of women’s reproductive rights, public interest in vasectomy as a form of contraception has risen significantly. With approximately 52 million daily active users, Reddit is a popular platform for user discussion, especially among people of reproductive age. In this study, Reddit was selected as a vehicle to qualitatively investigate patient experiences, emotions, and questions surrounding vasectomy.

Objective

This research aims to explore men's experiences and expectations regarding pain and sexual dysfunction after vasectomy, as posted on an anonymous internet forum, in order to enhance communication between healthcare providers and patients for an improved overall patient experience.

Methods

Threads on the Reddit group “r/Vasectomy”, with 15,000 members, were collected over a 12-month period. We searched the terms “pain”, “volume”, “erect”, and “ED”. Any thread where the primary post was not focused on these terms were excluded. Two investigators, with training in qualitative research, read and independently coded relevant threads based on a modified grounded theory. Each line of a thread was coded using key phrases and the grouping of similarly coded phrases led to the emergence of themes, which were later refined into general concepts.

Results

Analysis of 87 distinct threads with 1052 responses revealed that men utilized the online platform to cope with pre-operative anxieties, seek validation, and share experiences. These themes reinforced the concept that men utilize community to cope with their anxieties surrounding vasectomy. Discussions revolved around concerns regarding pain, ejaculate volume, and erectile function. Additionally, there was a noticeable information discrepancy between expectations set by healthcare professionals and the actual post-operative experiences shared by patients.

Conclusions

This study provides valuable insights into patients' perspectives on vasectomy and the information that they seek from online forums after their visit with a physician. Discrepancies exist between patient expectations and medical guidance provided by urologists, suggesting a need for more tailored and comprehensive pre-operative counseling. By understanding these concerns, healthcare providers can enhance patient education and outcomes related to vasectomy procedures.

Disclosure

No.