Vasectomy can lead to more enjoyable sex, agree 48% of men

Launch of new research marks the start of Vasectomy Awareness Week

Nearly half (48%) of men agree that having a vasectomy can lead to more enjoyable sex, because it removes the fear of your partner becoming pregnant, according to new independent research conducted by YouGov Plc and launched today by leading sexual health agency Marie Stopes International to mark the start of Vasectomy Awareness Week.

Yet despite the chance for an improved sex life, the majority (85%) of men who have not had a vasectomy stated that they were not likely to ever consider having one. This reluctance could be due to common concerns and myths about the procedure: 8% of men questioned wrongly believed that vasectomy could lead to impotence, and one in 10 (10%) men considered vasectomy makes you less of a man.

“I constantly encounter misunderstanding about vasectomy,” explains Debi Hammond, Vasectomy Manager at Marie Stopes International. “Men and women often express concern that the treatment will have a negative impact on a man’s sexual performance. However, having a vasectomy does not affect your hormones, ejaculation or orgasm so there is no reason why it should have a negative impact on your sex life.”

The main reasons men choose to have a vasectomy are that they have completed their family and have decided to take responsibility for contraception. When asked, more than three quarters (79%) of men disagreed contraception should be a woman’s responsibility. However, approximately one in five men (17%) suggested that they would expect to feel considerably/ extremely embarrassed during the vasectomy procedure.

“Vasectomy is a very common, safe treatment that can take as little as 10 minutes, leaving little time for embarrassment!” says Debi. “Most men are able to return to work within a couple of days, and to sporting activities within a few weeks. I hope that men considering a vasectomy will seek further information during Vasectomy Awareness Week, so that we can eradicate some of the common misconceptions about this straightforward procedure”.

The research of over 1,000 British men, found that almost one in five respondents (19%) had undergone a vasectomy. This is in line with international data which suggests that British men are amongst the most prolific users of this method of permanent fertility control in the world.

Vasectomy Awareness Week runs from 21st to 27th of September 2009. To support the awareness campaign Marie Stopes International has reduced its charge for a vasectomy at its clinics from £420 to £320 for men who book and attend their appointment by 31st December 2009. For further information call Marie Stopes International on 0845 300 0212, or visit www.vasectomy.org.uk

- Ends -

For media enquiries please contact:

Tony Kerridge: 0207 034 2365 / 07748 948037

Notes to editors:

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The total research sample size was 2255 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 28th August - 1st September 2009. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

Categories: United Kingdom; Europe; Vasectomy

01/09/2009

Vasectomy can lead to more enjoyable sex, agree 48% of men

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