Kerala: No-scalpel vasectomy finds fewer takers

Kochi: The contribution of men in family planning is negligible in Ernakulam, a district that claims to be highly literate. According to health officials, only five men performed no-scalpel vasectomy (NSV), a minimal-invasive procedure, in the district this year so far.

In fact, the number of men undergoing sterilization procedures has always been low in the district. Health authorities said only less than 20 males used to undergo NSV in the district annually and Covid has worsened the situation further.

The government provides an incentive of Rs 1,100 for men undergoing NSV. The poor participation of males in family planning has forced the authorities to start awareness programmes in Ernakulam. Health authorities said it is a lack of awareness about the health benefits of NSV and misunderstandings about the procedure that dissuade males to undergo NSV.

"NSV is an easy procedure compared to the sterilization procedures on women. Husbands who love their wives should undergo NSV instead of asking wives to undergo sterilization which is a complicated procedure. Ironically, what we have found is that wives also discourage their husbands from undergoing NSV due to misunderstandings. They fear the procedure will hamper sexual functioning. The awareness drive is to clear the misunderstanding on NSV," said Dr M G Sivadas, reproductive and child health officer in Ernakulam.

The district medical officials are looking for the participation of at least 20 men in camps to be held in each block to dispel the misunderstanding about NSV in society.

"The myth that such a procedure will affect men's sexual potency is still prevalent. The fact is that NSV increases potency as there is no fear of the absence of the contraceptive methods during intercourse," said Dr Radhakrishnan Nair, who is practicing reproductive and sexual medicine in Kochi.