Vasectomy cases record steep decline since 2010

BMC officials say involvement of men in family planning has, however, increased over the past few years.

Despite family planning and birth control measures propagated by BMC, the count of vasectomy cases has witnessed a steep decline of 67 per cent since 2010. From 2,082 vasectomy procedures undertaken in 2010-2011, the count reduced to 1,619 in 2011-2012 and to 1,363 in 2012-2013. In 2013-2014 (till April 4), total vasectomy surgeries dropped to a record low of 681.

At present, there are two surgical permanent birth control measures available — vasectomy which is a male sterilisation process that blocks sperms discharge and tubectomy in which the fallopian tubes are cut and tied to prevent ovum discharge. Another procedure— Intrauterine device (IUD)— is a long-term method of birth control in which a small device is fitted in the uterus to prevent conception. Copper-T is most commonly used as IUDs, with its effect lasting for around 10 years. Other temporary measures also include use of condoms and oral pills.

The civic health department said over 2.68 lakh people have opted for either permanent birth control measures or IUDs between 2010 and April 4 this year, of which a whopping 97 per cent were women (2.62 lakhs) and a mere three per cent were men (5,745).

BMC’s deputy executive health officer Dr Padmaja Keskar said the involvement of men in family planning has, however, increased over the last few years. “Now, husbands visit maternity homes along with their wives to understand the complications that may arise during pregnancy. They also volunteer to take their children for Polio drops, which was earlier conventionally a mother’s job. As Copper-T are the most popular choice amongst lower income group for its ‘non-permanent’ nature, the count of women participating in birth control measures is higher,” Keskar said.

In 2013-2014, the civic health department recorded 21,246 tubectomy and a significant 41,584 IUD cases, as opposed to 681 vasectomy cases in public hospitals and dispensaries. “People often opt for IUDs because then they can control birth for a specified time period without resorting to permanent procedures,” Keskar added.

The BMC has over 3,600 community health volunteers (CHVs) that counsel families for family planning and birth control measures.

“Whenever a woman comes for delivery, we guide her about spacing method for the next child. After two children, we then encourage them to opt for surgery or Copper-T,” said Keskar. She said convincing people to undergo surgical procedures takes more than three counselling rounds. The CHVs are also closely connected with women, who are more easily available for counselling than men.

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Dr Almeida Fernandes, former neonatologist at Sion hospital and founder of non-government organisation Sneha, said, “There has also been an increase in use of condoms and oral pills. That may have led to to decline in permanent surgeries, especially vasectomy.” Fertility in the city has witnessed a decline, while family planning has increased, said Fernandes.

tabassum.barnagarwala@expressindia.com

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