European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background: Woman oriented contraceptives have gained acceptance compared to male contraceptives. Vasectomy was introduced in India in 1992 to increase male participation in family planning. However, despite being a safe and simple method, it is rarely accepted as a method of contraception. Aims And Objectives: To assess the attitude of men towards No Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV). To study the reasons for low acceptance of NSV among husbands of women who underwent permanent methods of contraception. Materials And Methods: A cross sectional questionnaire based survey was conducted at Government Medical College, Thrissur from November 1st 2022 to January 31st 2023. Healthy male attendants of 150 women who underwent permanent methods of contraception in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, were included. Socio demographic data, knowledge about NSV and reasons for its low acceptance was collected using a self-made validated questionnaire. Results: In our study, majority (85.3%) of the participants were aware that NSV is a permanent method. 58.8% of the subjects knew that NSV has a high success rate. 55% believed that NSV required prolonged rest and affect sexual function. 54% perceived socio cultural barriers as reasons for low acceptance. 80.8% had procedure related misconceptions. Fear about procedure related pain and complications was seen in 44.1%. Conclusion: Though, a large majority of the spouses of women who underwent sterilisation, were aware of NSV, misconceptions regarding the procedure was common. Health education and counselling are needed to bring about a change in this attitude.