BKKBN: Vasectomy Has No Adverse Effects on Men
Vasectomy in men is one of the available options for preventing pregnancy. Unfortunately, this method is not yet widely understood by the public. The Director of Family Planning Access Development at the Ministry of Population and Family Development/BKKBN, Fajar Firdawati, emphasised that vasectomy is distinct from castration.
Vasectomy can be a choice for those who no longer wish to have children or do not want to increase their family size. “Vasectomy is one of the contraceptive options for those who feel they have enough children. Therefore, education and counselling are very important so that they understand their choice, because vasectomy is not a temporary measure,” said Fajar on Wednesday (1/6).
She asserted that there are no adverse effects of vasectomy on men. This method allows men to be more at ease and less worried because it is an effective way to prevent pregnancy.
“Does it interfere with sexual function? No. It remains normal because it is not influenced by hormones, so it continues to function as usual. This means there are no issues with sexual function or libido, and it does not cause erectile dysfunction,” Fajar stated.
In both rural and urban communities, many myths still circulate suggesting that vasectomy is equivalent to castration. Consequently, the role of motivators, male family planning groups, and Family Planning (KB) educators is required to correct these myths.
Fajar explained that a vasectomy is performed by tying the ducts or cutting the sperm flow in the testes to prevent it from exiting during ejaculation. Those choosing a vasectomy are advised to be certain and to have no intention of having more children.
Following a vasectomy, she noted that for the first three months, men must still use condoms during ejaculation. The purpose is to clear any remaining sperm from the upper ducts.
Based on BKKBN data, Indonesia still experiences a gap in contraceptive use, which is dominated by women. Out of approximately 76 million families in Indonesia, 40 million are of childbearing age, and about 25 million are active contraceptive users. Meanwhile, male contraceptive users currently number close to 1 million.