Characteristics and outcomes of no-scalpel vasectomy acceptors in a tertiary national maternity hospital: A retrospective single-cohort study
Authors: Sanedrin Lovely S. , Panay-Olalia Madelynne I. 
Published: September 2024

INTRODUCTION:
No-scalpel vasectomy is an emerging family planning method that enables the male partner to get more involved. The procedure was first introduced in our institution in 2008 with an average of 7 clients per year (i.e., 86 patients from 2008 to 2019). There were no data when the pandemic started, but starting in March 2022, acceptance for the procedure started to increase. This coincides with the timeline of the study. At present, there are limited studies regarding no-scalpel vasectomy, especially local studies. A better understanding of the characteristics and outcomes of those who underwent no-scalpel vasectomy would aid our institution in formulating and implementing policies and family planning programs.

OBJECTIVES:
The study determined the characteristics and outcomes of no-scalpel vasectomy acceptors at Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital from March 2022 to February 2023. Characteristics included the sociodemographic, medical, reproductive, and duration from inquiry until semen analysis. The outcomes included the absence or presence of complications after the procedure and result of semen analysis.

METHODS:
The study utilized a retrospective, descriptive, single, cohort design. Total enumeration was done to get the 36 charts of clients who underwent no-scalpel vasectomy at the Comprehensive Family Planning Center of Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital from March 2022 to February 2023. Patient charts were retrieved, and data abstraction was done. Tables and figures were used to display the frequency distribution of data collected.

RESULTS:
The study had a cohort of 36 individuals who underwent no-scalpel vasectomy, which accounted for 116% of the intended sample size. The characteristics of our clients were mostly urban residents, 30–39 years old, with partner, educated, middle class, employed, Roman Catholic, and having 1–2 children with the age of youngest below 3 years old. Different forms of family planning were used prior to the procedure. Teleconsultation effectively increases our clients for vasectomy. Clients were able to follow up after the procedure, but there was only a decrease in the number of clients who had their semen analysis done and were lost to follow-up.

DISCUSSION:
There is an increasing awareness in no-scalpel vasectomy procedure as seen in the increase in acceptors. It is an effective, safe, cost-effective, and permanent male contraceptive procedure, with very minimal manageable complications. However, there is a need for better protocol regarding follow-up with semen analysis result.

CONCLUSION:
By determining the characteristics and outcomes of no-scalpel vasectomy acceptors at Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital from March 2022 to February 2023, the findings of the study hope to aid the health-care providers gain a better insight about the characteristics and outcomes of our male clients who decided to undergo no-scalpel vasectomy as their family planning method of choice. There is a need study in further improving of the formulation and implementation of policies and family planning programs to further reach the male population.