Vasectomy counseling.

The following recommendations for counseling patients about vasectomy may help to minimize the risk of litigation for family physicians who provide vasectomy services: (1) conduct a personal consultation with the patient; (2) discuss the impact of vasectomy on sexual function; (3) explain the procedure using diagrams during the office visit for the physical examination; (4) explain possible minor complications and risks, including the possibility of failure; (5) explain the need for a postoperative semen analysis and the need to use another contraceptive method for a while after vasectomy; (6) emphasize the permanence of the procedure; (7) have the patient read and sign an informed consent form; (8) provide preoperative and postoperative instructions; (9) answer questions and respond to concerns, and (10) telephone the patient the day after the surgery.