Popcom endorses safe non-scalpel vasectomy

The Population Commission is now pushing for a low-risk, safe and simple vasectomy procedure that has more advantages over the conventional process.

Popcom regional director Leo Rama said they are pushing for non-scalpel vasectomy (NSV), a safe, less costly and more convenient family planning method for married couples.

NSV is a male sterilization process that requires no incision, no stitches, less bleeding, less discomfort, and faster recovery, among others, Rama said.

He added that more and more men are now into the said safer and simpler method, which has been proven to be effective.

Records at the Department of Health showed that at least 211 men from Cebu have had non-scalpel vasectomy.

Contrary to perceived understanding of the NSV, the procedure is simple and takes only 10 to 15 minutes. NSV is 99.85 percent foolproof, and costs minimal as opposed to another more accurate birth control method - the tubal ligation for women, Rama pointed out.

Rama also said that non-scalpel vasectomy is fast becoming popular in the country following intensified education and awareness campaigns in the countryside.

Before the year 2000, only an estimated 20 Filipino males underwent NSV. But in recent years, health statistics showed that there were at least 4,000 Filipino males who submitted to the procedure, Rama disclosed.

NSV, he added, is a permanent contraception that does not interfere with a man's masculinity and sex drive, few of the myths that are now being corrected through massive information/awareness drives. One of the acceptors, Dennis Arcipe, said that when he had non-scalpel vasectomy, he noticed no side effects or that this didn't affect his virility and sexual drive.

He said that three days after he submitted to non-scalpel vasectomy, he even played basketball and was able to do his usual activities. - Jasmin R. Uy/MEEV