As per NFHS-5, awareness about modern contraceptives is widespread, with 97% of women and 97.5% of men being informed. However, the responsibility largely rests on women, as female sterilization remains the most commonly used method.
What are the current trends in contraceptive decision-making among Indian couples?
- Female Sterilization Dominates: Recent data reveals that female sterilization constitutes 37.9% of all sterilization procedures, while male sterilization through vasectomies remains alarmingly low at only 0.3%.
- Declining Male Participation: Over the past three decades, male sterilization rates have consistently decreased. Data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) indicates that vasectomy usage has remained stagnant at approximately 0.3%, as observed in both NFHS-4 (2015-16) and NFHS-5 (2019-20).
- Unmet Government Goals: The National Health Policy 2017 set an ambitious goal of raising male sterilization rates to 30%. However, this target remains unachieved, highlighting significant gaps in the country’s family planning system.
How does societal perception impact men’s involvement in family planning?
- Perceived Burden: Vasectomy is often viewed by men as an unnecessary burden, with concerns about losing wages and challenges to their masculinity. Similarly, many women believe men should avoid sterilization due to their role as primary earners.
- Limited Awareness: Awareness about the safety and advantages of vasectomies remains low. Misconceptions, such as fears about impacts on masculinity and sexual performance, further discourage men from considering this option.
- Cultural Influences: Traditional gender norms perpetuate the belief that family planning is primarily a woman’s responsibility, resulting in minimal male participation in discussions about reproductive health.
What strategies can be implemented to promote shared responsibility in contraceptive use? (Way forward)
- Education and Awareness: Programs should aim to educate both men and women about reproductive health and shared responsibilities through school curricula and community workshops. Early engagement can help destigmatize male sterilization and encourage open dialogue.
- Financial Incentives: Offering increased cash benefits for men choosing vasectomies could boost acceptance. For instance, rural areas in Maharashtra have seen higher participation rates due to such incentives.
- Healthcare Training: Strengthening the training of healthcare providers in performing no-scalpel vasectomies can enhance the availability and quality of these services, particularly in underserved rural regions.
- Mass Media Campaigns: Learning from successful efforts in countries like South Korea and Brazil, India can launch extensive media campaigns to change public perceptions. These should highlight the simplicity and safety of vasectomies compared to female sterilization.
- Actionable Policies: The government must ensure family planning policies include practical measures with defined steps to achieve greater male involvement in reproductive health initiatives.
