Use of secondary contraception following vasectomy: insights from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, 2007–2011

BACKGROUND: To assess postpartum use of secondary contraception with vasectomy within Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS). METHODS: Secondary contraception and type of method used were assessed among married women reporting partner vasectomy 4 months after a recent live birth in female residents of 15 US states and New York City who participated in the 2007–2011 PRAMS. RESULTS: Between 2007 and 2011, 1,004 married women who had a recent live birth participating in PRAMS reported they and their partners relied on vasectomy for postpartum contraception. Among these couples, 57.8% reported not using additional forms of contraception postpartum. Of those reporting additional contraception, condoms were most commonly used (50.0%), followed by oral contraceptive pills (26.5%), and withdrawal (9.5%). Multivariable modeling showed that use of secondary contraception was twice as high among women reporting a second birth versus women reporting a fourth or higher birth [adjusted prevalence odds ratio (POR) =2.0 (1.1–3.2)]. No other sociodemographic characteristics (maternal age, maternal race, parental education, household income) were significantly associated with use of secondary contraception with vasectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Most couples within PRAMS reporting partner vasectomy as postpartum contraception did not use secondary contraception in the months immediately after vasectomy, and, of those who did, most relied on less effective methods. Clinicians need to better understand reasons for limited use of secondary contraception with vasectomy to improve counseling strategies for reducing unintended pregnancy.