Audio By Carbonatix
A growing number of men in Kenya are undergoing vasectomies, a leading reproductive heath organisation in the country has told the BBC.
“We have received a lot of requests from men. However, we cannot disclose the number due to client confidentiality," said the director of Marie Stopes Kenya.
Inviolata Wanyama added that Kenyans were increasingly aware of equitable gender roles and men were keen to "be supportive partners in the sexual and reproductive journey".
Daniel (not his real name) had the vasectomy procedure on 15 October because he wanted to find a better way of family planning.
“My wife had gone through three caesarean deliveries, and I wasn’t willing to risk her life... I decided: 'Why not help her?' because sometimes we ask too much from women," the 39 year old told the BBC.
He however says that vasectomy services should be accessible and "friendly" to men because he had had bad experiences at other centres which made demeaning inquiries.
"Is it for you? Are you married? Why would you want a vasectomy? It’s your wife who should take charge of family planning," Daniel was told.
He says he has not experienced any significant effect since having the procedure done.
Marie Stopes Kenya will offer free vasectomy services for four days ahead of World Vasectomy Day on 18 November.
Vasectomy is a surgical procedure to cut or seal the tubes that carry a man’s sperm to permanently prevent pregnancy, according to the UK's National Health Service (NHS)
It can be reversed, but this is not guaranteed.
“If a reversal is carried out within 10 years of your vasectomy, the success rate is about 55%. This falls to 25% if your reversal is carried out more than 10 years after,” the NHS says.
Latest Stories
-
‘Okada’ union leaders undergo training ahead of 2026 legalisation processes
3 hours -
Creative Canvas 2025: Moliy and the power of a global digital moment
3 hours -
Ibrahim Mahama supports disability groups with Christmas donation
3 hours -
Techiman hosts historic launch of GJA Bono East Chapter: Regional pact for balanced journalism
4 hours -
Kasoa: Boy, 6, drowns in open water tank while retrieving football
4 hours -
Five-year-old boy dies after getting caught in ski travelator
6 hours -
‘This is an abuse of trust’- PUWU-TUC slams gov’t over ECG privatisation plans
6 hours -
Children should be protected from home fires – GNFS
6 hours -
Volta Regional Minister urges unity, respect for Chief Imam’s ruling after Ho central mosque shooting
6 hours -
$214M in gold-for-reserves programme not a loss, Parliament’s economy chair insists it’s a transactional cost
7 hours -
Elegant homes estate unveils ultra-modern sports complex in Katamanso
7 hours -
ECG can be salvaged without private investors -TUC Deputy Secretary-General
7 hours -
Two pilots killed after mid-air helicopter collision in New Jersey
7 hours -
2025 in Review: Fire, power and the weight of return (January – March)
8 hours -
Washington DC NPP chairman signals bid for USA chairmanship
8 hours
