More men opt for vasectomy

Apr 22, 2001

MORE Ugandan men are opting for vasectomy, a permanent method of sterilisation, Marie Stopes, a family planning non-governmental organisation, has said.

By A. G. Musamali MORE Ugandan men are opting for vasectomy, a permanent method of sterilisation, Marie Stopes, a family planning non-governmental organisation, has said. This year alone over 100 men have so far undergone vasectomy in one clinic outside Kampala. Marie Stopes declined to divulge more details due to ethical considerations. Vasectomy is a permanent method of birth control for men. In this simple surgical procedure, a doctor ties or seals the sperm tubes in the scrotum. It however lets a man enjoy sex without fear of pregnancy. The method is non-reversible and is ideal for people who feel that they have had enough children. It can also be used if a man and his partner do not want to use other methods of birth control. Vasectomy is also easier and costs less than its equivalent (tubal ligation) for the woman. Pregnancy may also carry a high risk for a mother or baby due to health problems. Bruno Otto, outgoing National Programme Director of Marie Stopes, told The New Vision recently that the men who have undergone vasectomy come from different backgrounds. Most of them were however in the age group 35 to 45 years. He attributed this to Marie Stopes' successful outreach programmes especially in Kampala, Bushenyi, Busia, and Mbale. After the vasectomy, a person can rest for a day or two and use an ice-bag to prevent swelling. He may take a non-aspirin pain reliever, do no heavy work for several days and have no sex for six or seven days. Doctors advise a man to opt for another method of birth control until the doctor says all the sperms are out of the fluid. This is usually four to eight weeks or 20 to 30 ejaculations. Until all the sperms are out of the semen a man can cause pregnancy. John, a Kampala civil servant, says he opted for vasectomy because he has six daughters and five sons. "I had already parted with my first wife, but was still living with the other two. I suggested to each of my wives separately to go for sterilisation. Each of them accused me of wanting to produce children with the other. So I opted for the method myself," said John. Since 1970, vasectomy has become very popular throughout the world. Over 40 million men in the world now have vasectomies. Ends

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