Vasectomy: Safe, Convenient, Effective and Underutilized

Published by the INFO Project at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Communication Programs, this one-page technical brief make the following statements regarding the safety and effectiveness of vasectomies:

• "Vasectomy is a very safe, convenient, highly effective, and simple surgical form of contraception for men that is provided under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting and is intended to be permanent.
• Although vasectomy is safer, simpler, less expensive, and equally effective as female sterilization, it remains the least known and least used modern contraceptive method.
• Men in every region and cultural, religious, or socioeconomic setting show interest in or use of vasectomy, despite commonly held assumptions about negative male attitudes or societal prohibitions; however, men often lack full access to information and services.
• Thoughtful, male-centered programming has resulted in greater use of vasectomy.
• Effective FP/RH [family planning/reproductive health] programs should have an active, accessible, vasectomy component that delivers quality services, with wide contraceptive options for the man and his partner, and informed choice."

According to this brief, some of the lessons learned include:

• "Effective promotion, providing accurate information via multiple means, including mass media (billboards, newspaper/magazine ads, radio/TV spots, telephone hotlines), community channels, and interpersonal communication, using satisfied vasectomy clients where feasible.
• Collection and use of data for program design, to identify champions, and to focus activities.
• Tailoring the program to the local context; e.g., by developing private sector and/or mobile outreach services, and by using appropriate approaches, technologies, and methodologies."