Health experts have assured men that vasectomy is a family planning method like any other and urged them to embrace it.
Speaking during the World Vasectomy Day celebrations in Bungoma at Bungoma County Referral Hospital Dr Edward Serem, head of reproductive and maternal health at the Ministry of Health, said that vasectomy is a permanent method of family planning.
Serem cited three family planning methods for men: vasectomy, use of condoms and use of natural methods, unlike women who have a variety of family planning methods.
“Men only have three family planning methods unlike women who have many, vasectomy is just a permanent method of family planning,” he said.
“Family planning is an important aspect in the marriage because it helps the couple have the number of children they can cater for.”
In addition, Serem revealed that the Ministry of Health has a training package for health workers to make sure that they are well-trained to perform the vasectomy.
He also said that the ministry is also providing the family planning products.
“The purpose of such an event is also to sensitize the public on the importance of vasectomy. The forums also offer opportunities for the experts to share information to counter the myths about the family planning procedure,” he said.
He also pointed out that there has been a low turnout of men seeking to undergo vasectomy because of the myths and misconceptions, adding that the procedure does not in any way affect the manhood of an individual.
Serem noted that those turning up for vasectomy in Kenya are less than 1 per cent of the population.
Dr. Caleb Watta, Bungoma director for health and sanitation, told the Star that vasectomy is a sure and good way of family planning method for men, affirming that the national event was carried out in Bungoma purposely to educate the public and create awareness.
“We want men to embrace family planning as a permanent method of family planning so that people have families that they can cater for,” Watta said, adding that family planning is not only for women but also for men.
Watta said that vasectomy doesn’t affect men’s sexual urges, noting that it makes men more active sexually because they do not have the stress of getting more children.
“Vasectomy does not affect masculinity, after the procedure, the male hormones are still intact and you will function normally,” Watta said.
