Postvasectomy Semen Analysis Compliance With Utilization of a Mail-In Semen Analysis Kit.

Abstract

Purpose: The AUA recommends postvasectomy semen analysis (PVSA) to verify successful vasectomy. However there remains poor patient compliance. We sought to assess whether mail-in PVSA improves patient compliance across a wide range of practice types.

Materials and methods: Prospective data were collected on all men who received a Fellow PVSA kit between April 2021 and August 2023 in a nationwide cohort. Date of kit activation, practice type, clinic zip code, and date of kit accession/processing at the lab were collected. Compliance rates for each practice area were reported. χ² tests of independence, logistic regression models, and multivariable logistic analysis were performed to assess the impact of relevant variables.

Results: Overall compliance across all practice areas was 69% following an 18-week period of observation (n = 16,105) and 82% (n = 6687) following a 40-week period. Compliance rates were highest and similar for small urology practices (<5 providers), including Veterans Affairs practices, ranging from 76% to 82% at 18 weeks to 85% to 87% at 40 weeks. Large urology practices had slightly lower compliance rates with 66% at 18 weeks to 80% at 40 weeks. The univariable logistic regression model demonstrated that patients in small urology practices have a 63% greater odds of 26-week compliance, on average, compared to those who receive care in large urology practices (odds ratio 1.63, 95% CI 1.48-1.79).

Conclusions: Fellow's mail-in PVSA offers improved PVSA compliance over previously published data. Improved compliance is seen across all practice types. Despite these successes, there is significant room for improvement to achieve 100% compliance.