The Hindu: NFHS-6 vasectomy and male participation in family planning
TH | 12-06-2026 Vasectomy & Male Participation in Family Planning – 1. NFHS-6 Shows Progress but Gender Imbalance- Persists NFHS-6 (2023–24) reports: Total Fertility Rate (TFR): 2.0 (below replacement level of 2.1). Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR): 69.1%, up from 66.7% in NFHS-5. Despite this progress, contraception remains largely the responsibility of women. 2. Male Sterilisation Remains Negligible- Vasectomy accounts for only 0.5% of contraceptive use (up marginally from 0.3% in NFHS-5). Female sterilisation continues to dominate India's family planning programme. (CONTINUE IN COMMENTS)
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS ✓ · 4mo ago
3. Myths and Social Stigma Reduce Acceptance- Low uptake is mainly due to: Fear of loss of masculinity or libido. Misconceptions about physical weakness. Social stigma and poor awareness. Limited counselling and health-system support. 4. Vasectomy is Safe and Effective- Medical evidence confirms that vasectomy: Does not affect testosterone, libido, or sexual performance. Is a minor procedure performed under local anaesthesia. Requires minimal recovery time.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS ✓ · 4mo ago
5. Scientific Evidence Rejects Common Myths- There is no scientific evidence linking vasectomy with: Obesity Cancer Loss of strength Increased infections. Reversal (recanalisation) is possible, with higher success when performed early. 6. Policy Imperative- Greater male participation in contraception is essential for: Gender-equitable reproductive healthcare. Reducing the contraceptive burden on women. Achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to health and gender equality.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS ✓ · 4mo ago
Prelims Facts to Remember -NFHS-6 (2023–24) TFR: 2.0 Replacement Level Fertility: 2.1 Contraceptive Prevalence Rate: 69.1% -Vasectomy Permanent male sterilisation method. Involves cutting/sealing the vas deferens. Does not affect hormone production or sexual function. -Female Sterilisation Also called Tubectomy. Continues to be the most widely used contraceptive method in India. -Family Planning Programme Launched: 1952 India became the first country in the world to launch a national family planning programme.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS ✓ · 4mo ago
UPSC Mains Value Addition -Challenges Social stigma. Gender stereotypes. Poor counselling. Low awareness. Female-centric family planning policies. -Way Forward Promote male involvement through IEC campaigns. Strengthen reproductive health counselling. Improve access to vasectomy services. Encourage shared responsibility in family planning.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS ✓ · 4mo ago
Possible Prelims Question Consider the following statements: 1.Replacement level fertility is 2.1 children per woman. 2.Vasectomy affects testosterone production. 3.India launched the world's first national family planning programme in 1952. Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: (b)