(431) Comparison of Demographic and Contraceptive Patterns in Men Undergoing Vasectomy Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic in Barcelona, Spain

Introduction Vasectomy is the only permanent method of contraception available for men. No-scalpel vasectomy is the preferred technique due to its favorable safety profile and low complication rates. Objective The aim of this study was to compare whether there is a difference in the demographic characteristics of patient undergoing a vasectomy between the pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic periods. Methods This retrospective study evaluated 1,774 sexually active men undergoing vasectomy between 2016 and 2024 at a single tertiary-referral center. Baseline data, including age, number of children, and contraceptive methods were collected. Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 represented men undergoing vasectomy pre-COVID-19 pandemic period between 2016 and 2020; and group 2 represented patients undergoing surgery post-COVID-19 pandemic period, between 2021 and 2024. Statistical analysis utilized nonparametric tests and multivariate logistic regression to identify potential associations between the two groups (p < 0.05). Results Group 1 included 1202 patients with a median age of 42 years old (IQR 18-65) and a median number of children of 2 (IQR 0-7). 336 (28%) men did not use any contraceptive method, 610 (51%) used condoms, 144 (12%) oral contraceptives, 99 (8%) intrauterine devices and 13 (1%) injectable contraceptives. Group 2 included 572 patients with a median age of 42 years (IQR 18-67) and a median number of children of 2 (IQR 0-5). 159 men (27.8%) did not use any contraceptive method, 274 (47.9%) used condoms, 82 (14.4%) oral contraceptives, 51 (8.9%) intrauterine devices, and 6 (1%) injectable contraceptives. At the multivariable analysis, no statistically significant differences were found in terms of age, number of children, and contraceptive methods when comparing the two groups of patients (p>0.05). Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly influence the demographic profile or contraceptive patterns of men undergoing vasectomy at a tertiary-referral center in Barcelona, Spain. Disclosure No