Vasectomy: Why men refuses to block their sperm for family planning

Experts are advocating for increased family planning services to manage Nigeria’s growing population.

However, many men reject vasectomy as an option.

Findings from experts reveal that men fear vasectomy could lower testosterone levels, reduce libido, or cause erectile dysfunction.

MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices describes vasectomy as a safe, permanent contraception method that prevents sperm from leaving the body.

“A vasectomy is a simple procedure done by experts to block sperm from mixing with semen,” the NGO stated.

Despite assurances, many Nigerian men believe undergoing surgery for family planning is extreme and unnecessary.

Nigeria’s total fertility rate is 4.6 children per woman, making family planning a critical issue in population control.

The Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey 2018 shows only 10% of married men use modern family planning methods.

Vasectomy remains unpopular, with most men preferring less invasive options that align with cultural and religious beliefs.

Mayo Clinic describes vasectomy as a sterilization method that prevents sperm from reaching semen during ejaculation.

The procedure offers a permanent solution for men certain about their family size.

Men interviewed according to reporters rejected vasectomy in favor of condoms, withdrawal, and natural family planning methods.

Some feared permanent infertility, while others hesitated to interfere with the body’s natural functions.

Dare Olawin, a respondent, believes vasectomy contradicts nature and should not be an option for men.

“I disagree with this form of family planning. No man should undergo surgery just to prevent pregnancy,” he said.

Olawin argued that women have multiple birth control options, while men can use condoms instead of vasectomy.

He also suggested that some women might push for vasectomy to ensure their partners remain faithful.

Michael Babatunde fears interfering with sperm flow could have unpredictable consequences.

“I don’t support it. Tampering with nature is risky,” he stated.

He believes non-invasive methods like condoms and withdrawal are safer alternatives.

Babatunde insisted that while men should take responsibility for family planning, he would never consider vasectomy.

Adejola Adeyemi acknowledges vasectomy’s effectiveness but hesitates due to its permanence.

“Life is unpredictable. Losing a child could change my perspective,” he noted.

Adeyemi prefers reversible contraception methods, considering life’s uncertainties.

He emphasized the importance of flexibility in family planning decisions.

John Olanrewaju rejected vasectomy on religious grounds, saying his faith opposes artificial birth control.

“My religion forbids any method against life, including vasectomy,” he stated.

He relies on natural family planning and believes only God controls childbirth.

Olasukanmi Akinlotan firmly opposes vasectomy, calling it an extreme measure.

“There’s no reason to block sperm permanently,” he argued.

Public health physician Dr. David Ogunsanya provided a clinical perspective on vasectomy’s benefits.

He noted that vasectomy is safe, cost-effective, and 99.9% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Ogunsanya identified misinformation as a major reason for low vasectomy acceptance.

“Many men wrongly believe vasectomy reduces libido or causes complications,” he said.

He clarified that vasectomy is minimally invasive, requiring only local anesthesia and taking about 15 minutes.

Despite expert reassurances, vasectomy remains unpopular among Nigerian men.

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