2014 EDITION Vol.2 Issue 08 DIGITAL

Health
A painless cut:
Marking World Vasectomy Day
BY SILVIA RUGINA
amily planning is very important in more ways than one. It
is a vital component in improving a woman’s health and the
wellbeing of her family, but it is equally important for the
development of a country. When a country has fewer population,
then it can provide quality life for its citizens. A few
years ago, in most African society’s only women were charged with
planning for their families when it came to protecting themselves
from unwanted pregnancies, but not anymore. Men can now help
their partners in planning for
their families through using
two methods, condom and
vasectomy. But research has
proved that vasectomy is safe,
effective, low-cost method of
permanent contraception for
men.
What is vasectomy? Vasectomy
is a surgical procedure for male
sterilization and/or permanent
birth control. During the procedure,
the male vasa deferentia
are severed and then tied/sealed
in a manner so as to prevent
sperm from entering into the
seminal stream (ejaculate) and
thereby prevent fertilization
from occurring
According to a World Health
Organization publication, it
states that, vasectomy is highly
effective when the procedure is
properly performed and when
the man waits for 3 months after
the vasectomy before having unprotected intercourse. Pregnancy
rates associated with vasectomy are reported in the range of 0–2
per 100 operations, with most studies reporting failure rates of less
than 1%.
In Rwanda, vasectomy has been gaining momentum since its
inception in 2008. So far, 3,898 men have undergone this procedure.
With the support of UNFPA, Ministry of Health celebrated the world
vasectomy day with the theme: Male involvement in Family Planning
(FP) ” thereby raising more awareness on Family Planning. During
preceding week a campaign was conducted and 73 vasectomy
surgeries were performed. 690 local leaders have sensitized on the
Vasectomy is usually offered to a man,
who is in a stable relationship and already
has the number of children he wants with
his partner. These are men who want to
help their partners with planning their
family. This method of family planning
has many advantages including being
the most effective and cheaper than
other methods. It allows a man to be free
during sexual intercourse with his partner
without having to worry about unwanted
pregnancy. However, a man with multiple
partners must be aware that this method
does not prevent sexually transmitted
diseases. - Jozef Maerien
importance of FP, especially the long-term effect methods as a
result, 15 community leaders got a vasectomy.
During an exclusive interview with Kata Kata Magazine,
Rwanda’s country representative of the United Nations Population
Fund (UNFPA) Mr. Jozef Maerien says the agency has been
spending between 3-4 million USD every year to support family
planning initiatives through the Ministry of Health and other
developing partners.
“Vasectomy is usually offered
to a man, who is in a stable
relationship and already has
the number of children he
wants with his partner. These
are men who want to help
their partners with planning
their family. This method of
family planning has many advantages
including being the
most effective and cheaper
than other methods. It allows
a man to be free during sexual
intercourse with his partner
without having to worry
about unwanted pregnancy.
However, a man with multiple
partners must be aware that
this method does not prevent
sexually transmitted diseases.”
says Mr. Maerien.
Men who undergo this
method of family planning
are usually asked to sign a
consent form together with their partner. This is to allow both
partners to be involved in making the decision.
A total of 88 doctors and 135 nurses have been trained in 42 hospitals
across all 30 districts to provide vasectomy in the country.
A man in need of a vasectomy can walk to the nearest health
center or hospitals countrywide and get this procedure done for
free.
Silvia-rugina@katakata.org
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