[Vasectomy and partnership status--an empirical study of 156 males (couples)].

In the USA voluntary male sterilization is wide-spread since years. In the Federal Republic of Germany the frequency of demanding vasectomy is increasing. All who are involved have to assure whether the request for vasectomy bases upon a mature or a neurotic decision which might be regretted one day. The research is based on the hypothesis that the decision for vasectomy is made in context with the personal structure, the partner relationship, and the family background. Therefore a process of interviews is made which are established on psychoanalytic and couple and family dynamic questions. The sociopsychological data give an impression of the situation in which the decision is made. Different couples with typical behavior patterns are characterized to show the special part of couples interaction in the decision-making process. The sequelae of vasectomy is expected to be largely determined by the development of the partner relationship. This is a subject for a planned follow-up study.