Klose, C

Abstract Introduction Vasectomy is a highly effective, permanent method of contraception. Vasectomy is commonly performed in the outpatient urology clinic with the patient awake. There is clearly anticipation of pain as well as anxiety associated with the procedure. Objective The objective of our study was to evaluate anticipated versus experienced pain associated with office-based vasectomy. Methods We studied men who underwent vasectomy in May and June of 2022. Men who had no history of scrotal surgery of any kind were asked to score the anticipated pain associated with an office based vasectomy with a score of 0-10. After the vasectomy, patients were asked to rate the pain they perceived with the vasectomy on the same scale (0-10). Results A total of 17 men were asked to rate their pain as discussed in the method section. The median age of men sampled was 38 years of age. All men we treated were given 15 mg of Valium before the procedure and instructed to take the medication 30 minutes prior to their procedure. The average pre vasectomy prediction pain score was 7.5+/- 1.9; the average post-injection perceived pain score was 2.9+/- 1.9. Thus there was an average decrease of over 4 points in the predicted pain versus perceived pain. A two-sample T test was performed; in addition Wilcoxson Signed Rank Test was performed. Both tests showed a statistical significance in the difference between pre and post vasectomy pain scores (p<0.001). Conclusions We found that patients who are undergoing office based vasectomy for the first time have a significantly higher perception of pain versus perception of pain after the injection. We have utilized this data in our clinic to explain to patients that while most patients will predict a high pain score associated with the vasectomy, the vast majority of patients report minimal pain after the procedure. Our study can be particularly helpful in patients who have had significant anxiety about office based vasectomy and for those patients who are deciding between office based vasectomy and vasectomy performed under general anesthesia. Disclosure No