Among different family planning methods, non-scalpel vasectomy has been perhaps the least popular. But the current trend in the district shows a marked increase in the number of men showing up for NSV, a positive shift from the general lack of interest among men for this birth-control measure.

As compared to last year’s figures from April to August when the number of men who underwent NSV was just 192, in the corresponding time frame this year, the number has gone up to 803, district family welfare office records say.

The number of tubectomy cases in the record books of the health department between April and August has also come down from 5,920 last year to 4,311 this year, indicating more men opted taking responsibility for birth control rather than leaving it to their spouses.

Dr Rina Sandhu, district family welfare officer, said it was encouraging to find awareness among the rural men now as more men turned up voluntarily for NSVs in the family planning camps organised by the department this year.

Generally, as per the trends witnessed over the past few years, more women have been known to take responsibility for family planning measures than their partners.

Tubectomy for women and non-scalpel vasectomy for men are the more conventional and permanent methods of birth control in India.

In the six camps held by the district family welfare office this year, more men have shown inclination for NSV as compared to last year when only a handful of them were present at the camps, added Dr Sandhu.

... contd.