Three panel members summarized pharmacological methods of male contraception, medical aspects of vasectomy, and psychological aspects of vasectomy. Several drugs have been found to block spermatogenesis in animals, but are toxic, irreversible or unacceptable in side effects. Alkylating agents, cyclophosphamide, prednisolone, urinary antibiotics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors and steroids have been tested in the hope of suppressing FSH without interrupting androgen secretion. Vasectomy is the only male contraceptive method that is practical and currently av ailable. It is technically simple, effective within 12 ejaculations, has few complications (0-10%), leaves intact the testicular endocrine function, spermatogenesis and seminal plasma composition. Immunological sequelae are being investigated. Of the approximately 1% who request reversal, patency is restored in 60-80%, but pregnancy is achieved in only about 30% of cases. Explicit motives are usually to avoid further contraceptive failure or abortions, but unconscious motives may range from dislike of children and hedonism to mysogynism and masochism. It is assumed that most surgeons operate on men over 25 or 30 in a stable marriage with at least 2 children. Most studies show 99% satisfied except in some Indian or psychiatric populations. In France, there are laws forbidding self-mutilation and castration, but neither specifically mentions vasectomy, and no surgeon has been prosecuted. More resistance has come from the National Order of Physicians.