Assessing the decision to have a vasectomy

Assessing a Client’s Decision for Vasectomy
 A Surgeon’s Guide for Final Assessment

Note: Make sure that the client has signed an informed consent form before conducting this assessment.

Ask the client these questions:

WHO made the decision for sterilization?
WHEN did the client decide not to have more children?
WHY did the client choose permanent contraception?
HOW did the client decide?
WHAT does the client know about vasectomy?
WHAT does the client know about other contraceptive methods?

Part of the surgeon’s responsibility for clients about to undergo surgery for permanent contraception is to verify that the client has made an informed and voluntary decision for the procedure. This simple aid can help the surgeon check the client’s readiness for permanent contraception before the operation. The assessment should be made before starting any part of the procedure.
Use of this guide does not substitute for client counseling, which should come much earlier.
Furthermore, good judgment is needed when using this guide (or any other) and when interpreting the results. For example, if a client’s answers all fall in the “go” category, but he is unduly nervous, and his agitation does not appear to be related to a fear of surgery, the surgeon or another staff member should take time to determine what is causing his anxiety before performing the procedure.

from EngenderHealth