Ashraf, M

Abstract Introduction The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (June 2022), which overturned Roe v. Wade, has prompted significant shifts in reproductive health behavior, particularly among men. Several studies have reported trends in vasectomy-related interest and procedural volume following the decision, suggesting a growing inclination to pursue vasectomy as a long-term contraceptive option amid changing abortion access on national and statewide levels. Emerging research has also begun to explore the motivations behind this trend, pointing to a complex interplay of personal, social, and policy-related factors. However, the current body of evidence is fragmented, spanning various settings and study designs. Thus, there is a need to map the breadth and scope of this literature, identify key themes, and highlight gaps in knowledge. Objective To review the published literature assessing changes in vasectomy interest and utilization following the Dobbs decision. Methods This scoping review was conducted in accordance with established methodological frameworks to systematically map the existing literature on vasectomy trends in the United States following the Dobbs decision. A scoping review was chosen rather than a systematic review or meta-analysis due to the heterogeneity in study designs, populations, and outcome measures. Eligible studies included peer-reviewed articles examining adult patients concerning vasectomy in U.S. settings, with a focus on changes in utilization, interest, or related behaviors in response to abortion policy shifts. A comprehensive search strategy was developed to capture English-language peer-reviewed literature from 2010 onward. Searches were conducted in January 2025 across six databases: PubMed (n=207), Embase (n=243), Scopus (n=195), Web of Science (n=48), Cochrane Library (n=17), and ClinicalTrials.gov (n=0). Search terms included variations of “vasectomy” and “abortion.” Two independent reviewers screened articles and extracted data using a piloted form on the Covidence platform, collecting information on study characteristics, population demographics, outcomes related to vasectomy trends, patient motivations, and contextual policy factors. Results A total of 405 unique records were identified through the literature search, with 34 articles reviewed in full text. Seventeen studies met final inclusion criteria. Internet search analyses (29%, n=5) demonstrated increased interest in both vasectomy and tubal ligation following the Dobbs decision, with all reporting greater relative increases for “vasectomy” across short-, mid-, and long-term timeframes. Procedural trend analyses (29%, n=5) showed overall increases in vasectomy volume compared with 6-month to 5-year pre-Dobbs baselines. Six studies found that men undergoing or seeking vasectomy post-Dobbs were significantly younger. Five studies reported higher proportions of childless or fewer-child patients. Additionally, five studies identified shifts in marital or partner status, with increased rates of single, unpartnered, or nonmarried patients post-Dobbs. Geographic differences were observed across 47% of studies (n=8), with greater vasectomy and tubal ligation interest reported in states with abortion trigger laws or more restrictive abortion environments. Conclusions This scoping review identified key demographic and geographic patterns in vasectomy trends following the Dobbs decision. Findings underscore increased interest and utilization, particularly among younger, childless, and unpartnered men, and highlight regional variation aligned with abortion policy restrictiveness. These results warrant further prospective study on patient-level motivations for permanent sterilization. Disclosure No