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The Snip: Why More Men Are Choosing Permanent Birth Control
2 Aug
Summary
- Vasectomies increased by 16% in England between 2023-24 and 2024-25.
- Men aged 35-39 had the highest number of vasectomies performed.
- Younger men under 30 are also seeing a rise in vasectomy procedures.
Vasectomies performed in England have seen a significant increase, with a 16% rise documented between the 2023-24 and 2024-25 periods. Data from NHS England reveals that 26,385 procedures were conducted across hospitals and clinics.
The 35-39 age group underwent the most vasectomies, totaling approximately 8,400 in 2024-25. Notably, there has also been a rise in younger men choosing the procedure, with about 950 vasectomies performed on men under 30 in England during the same timeframe.
Men like Alex West cite difficult experiences with childbirth and postnatal depression as motivations for choosing permanent contraception. Others, like Sam Knight from the US, have known from a young age that they do not wish to have children.
Medical professionals emphasize that while vasectomies are very safe and effective, they should be considered permanent. Counselling is often offered to ensure men fully understand the implications and are making a decision they will not regret. Reversals are not always successful and can be costly.
