Myths about Vasectomy: Hey Guys, 'Real Me' Don't Run Away!

With a dead end sign to ‘choose and pick’ policy of adoption rolled out recently, there are more reasons to follow family planning methods. Permanent methods of avoiding babies with vasectomy and tubectomy are the permanent options. With women bearing the burden more, vasectomy still is a taboo in Indian society. Easier on the pocket and safer option is not what decides the choice, but social notions do.

Gentleman, a word easy to ears and mind, is a question, when it comes to being one. With vasectomy, being a gentleman of strength and virility, is feared to be lost. Lowered lashes, coy walk, beans and bread images, fill the mind on being called lady-like. While compliments of being gentleman, has its own stigma story. Men, who are manly, are the ones who enjoy the social crown of ‘Gentleman.’

Process that snips, ties and blocks the sperm carrying tube called the vas deference, aids in avoiding unwanted birth. Vasectomy being a safer sterilization, is still opted less. Manliness which is feared to be lost with the sterilization, is a myth that has existed in past and continues to do so even at present. Marketing agencies that flood the screens and streets, exploit the ‘performance factor’ of being a man. Weaving within them unrealistic types, the idea of masculinity is constructed. Dr Anand Krishnan, professor at AIIMS, New Delhi while commenting on the issue express how “vasectomy has no impact at all on sexuality.”

Thus gender balance in practising family planning is lost, when it comes to contraceptives, and women are equally responsible. Particularly in the rural India, women fear for their men’s strength and virility, when it comes to vasectomy. Society which continues to link unwanted pregnancy to the woman’s misfortune alone, also maintains the imbalance.

Once operated, it’s not just the society that sees them differently, but the men themselves too. Botched and forced Nasbandi of past heightens the fear for sterilisation. Progress has begun with higher men opting for vasectomy since ‘Vasectomy Fortnight’ held in November 2016. It still lacks the speed, and awareness across the country.