Received May 10, 2012
Accepted June 10, 2012

Objective: This study aimed to characterize candidates undergo vasectomy in the public health system, Birigui-SP and to study related variables. Methods: We surveyed 150 medical patients and vasectomized contacted by telephone to assess several characteristics. The variables analyzed for the study were age, marital status, education, religion, monthly family income and per capita, number of living children, reason for seeking treatment method, contraceptive use, marital relationship quality, decision time (date of intent to perform the procedure) and not because of the procedure. Data were pooled for the analysis of results. Results: The age of the candidates ranged from 25 to 50 years (mean 35.68 years) and average 2.4 living sons. The average monthly family income was R$ 1.267,45, with average per capita income of R$ 302,94. The couple’s contraception before the procedure was on account ofthe woman who used oral anti-conception (79%). The complication rate with the method was around 8%, the biggest complication was deiscence (83,3% of cases of complications), these being manly the first 50 cases. Conclusion: Vasectomy is a very effective contraceptive method, with low complication rate and low cost, should be encouraged by the public health system as a means of family planning policy.