More than 500,000 vasectomies are performed annually in the U.S.; however, men of Latino and African descent are the least likely to decide to have a vasectomy or surgical sterilization for contraception, leaving more responsibility for sexual reproduction to women.
The fact is that, according to a study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), detail that 11.4 percent of men aged 30 to 45 reported having had a vasectomy, representing approximately 3.6 million American men.
However, it details that 14.1 percent of white men underwent a vasectomy, while only 3.7 percent of men of African descent and 4.5 percent of Hispanic men reported having this procedure for birth control.
These numbers, it should be noted, did not depend on demographics, partner and socioeconomic factors. But, ever having been married, being the father of two or more children, older age, and higher income were associated with vasectomy.
"After accounting for reproductive history, partner, and demographic characteristics, black and Hispanic men were less likely to rely on vasectomy for contraception. Further research is needed to identify the reasons for these racial/ethnic differences and to identify factors that prevent minority men from relying on this means of fertility control," the paper detailed.
Safety and efficacy make vasectomy a good family planning option, but factors related to the use of surgical male sterilization can be varied.
A study carried out by doctoral students in VeracruzMexico, explains that when talking about reproductive health, it is necessary to define the role of family planning.
The rise of contraception in developed countries occurred in the 1960s thanks to the sexual revolution. Men's involvement in family planning appeared at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development, which aimed to promote an equal role in birth control.
"Unfortunately, male involvement in contraception is very limited because of posturing and fear of a reduction of their manhood, virility and sexual prowess, as well as ignorance of the benefits of contraception for men."the authors noted.
Vasectomy was initially used for its effects on the prostate, then as male surgical rejuvenation, and finally as a contraceptive. By 1973, Dr. Li Shuguang developed the no-scalpel vasectomy to reduce men's fear of the procedure.
Worldwide, there are 37 million men who have chosen vasectomy, mainly in developed countries.
"The reasons why vasectomy is not so preferred in developing countries have to do with fears that are mainly of a sexual nature, based on a lack of knowledge of the procedure, as well as thinking that contraception is only for women and that it is better if they have the surgery," they said.
Urological and obstetrical medical organizations have detailed that vasectomy is safer, simpler, less expensive and just as effective as female sterilization, yet it is one of the least used methods of contraception.
Here and there
According to a demographic study of vasectomy in the U.S. and other countriesWorldwide, an estimated 33 million married women between the ages of 15 and 49 - less than 3 percent - rely on their partner's vasectomy for contraception.
They point out that female sterilization is approximately twice as common as vasectomy in developed countries, 8 times more common in Asia and 15 times more common in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Vasectomy is more common than female sterilization in only five countries: Bhutan, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Great Britain.
In Bhutan, vasectomy is 8 times more common than female sterilization; in Great Britain, almost 3 times more common; in Canada and the Netherlands, twice as common; and in New Zealand, about one-third more common.
Vasectomy use worldwide varies significantly by region and country. In developed countries, less than 5 percent of couples resort to vasectomy. In developing countries, the overall prevalence of vasectomy is 2.5 percent.
Prevalence exceeds 10 percent in eight countries: Australia, Bhutan, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Great Britain and the United States.
In Bhutan, approximately 40 percent of couples resorting to vasectomy are contraceptive, the highest proportion in the world; followed by New Zealand, with approximately 25 percent, then Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, with approximately 20 percent each, while Australia and the Republic of Korea, with 12.5 percent each.
Asia, with a prevalence of 3 percent, accounts for about three-quarters of the 32 million couples worldwide who resort to vasectomy: China and India alone account for 20 million users.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, vasectomy prevalence is only 2 percent. Puerto Rico has the highest rate in the region, at 5.3 percent. In sub-Saharan Africa, less than one-tenth of 1 percent of married women rely on their partner's vasectomy for contraception.
After Roe v. Wade
In the wake of the Supreme Court's decision to end Roe v. Wade, more and more men are taking birth control into their own hands. They are doing so by resorting to vasectomy to prevent unwanted pregnancies, noted CBS News.
He pointed out that just one day after the ruling went into effect, Google searches for the word "vasectomy" peaked and doctors across the country are receiving calls from men inquiring about the procedure.
According to Planned Parenthood, vasectomies can cost up to $1,000, which includes follow-up appointments.
The cost of a vasectomy varies and depends on where you have it done, the type of vasectomy, and whether you have health insurance that covers part or all of the cost.
Vasectomy may be completely free (or low cost) with some health insurance plans, Medicaid and other government programs.
Although a vasectomy initially costs more than other methods, it usually helps you save money in the long run, as it lasts forever.
Also, vasectomy costs 6 times less than female sterilization - also known as tubal ligation.
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