Decline in number of men undergoing vasectomy in city

Fewer men in the city are opting to undergo vasectomy, an irreversible surgical procedure for male sterilisation, the figures collected by the civic body indicate.

Fewer men in the city are opting to undergo vasectomy, an irreversible surgical procedure for male sterilisation, the figures collected by the civic body indicate.

HT Image

The number of vasectomies conducted in the city fell from 2082 in 2010-2011 to 1584 last year, a dip of almost 24%. On the other hand, 18,651 women underwent tubectomies last year. Tubectomy is an irreversible sterilisation process for women. After the Central government raised the incentive for vasectomy from Rs550 to Rs1450 in 2008, the numbers of vasectomies in the city rose to 4,661 in 2008-2009.

“It is sad that men do not want to opt for contraception in the city despite these incentives,” said Dr Asha Advani, officer on special duty, family welfare department, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

However, there are misconceptions about the procedure that it could affect both physical and sexual performance in men.

“It does not affect the health of the man. Tubectomy on the other hand, involves surgery deep in the abdomen and can sometimes lead to complications” said Dr Rekha Daver, head of obstetrics and gynecology, JJ Hospital.