Recession drove men to have vasectomy earlier

- The relationship between economic conditions and reproduction has a long and complex history. In agrarian economies, children are an economic asset, though when times are hard, having children can always make it harder. In the latest example of this kind of research, investigators found that the 2008 financial crisis and recession had an impact on when men had vasectomies.

Researchers from Wisconsin presented data at the International Federation of Fertility Societies/American Society for Reproductive Medicine meeting that showed that men presenting for vasectomy in the years 2005-2008 had on average 3.1 children, a number that fell to 2.3 following the 2008 recession. The investigators stated they "believe this information suggests a direct relation to the economic status of the community."

"There is much folklore associated with the relationship between economic conditions and reproduction. It is nice to have some actual data," said Grace Centola, PhD, President of the Society for Male Reproduction and Urology.