Men like Alex West and Sam Knight are increasingly opting for vasectomies due to personal experiences such as birth trauma, postnatal depression, or a clear decision not to have children. The procedure is described as safe and effective, though medical professionals advise careful consideration and highlight the permanence and cost of reversals.
Men in England and the US are increasingly choosing vasectomies for family planning, driven by personal experiences like birth trauma, postnatal depression, or a clear decision not to have children. The procedure is safe and effective, but men are advised to consider its permanence and potential side effects.
A psychologist denied sterilisation on the NHS has successfully challenged the decision after taking her case to the health ombudsman, sparking debate over procedure accessibility. In 2024-25, 10,793 female sterilisations were carried out, down 22% from a decade ago, while vasectomies rose 16% to 26,385. Campaigners argue women face unequal treatment and limited bodily autonomy, while others cite medical concerns including regret rates of up to 20%.
Leah Spasova, a psychologist from Oxfordshire, has won her case against the NHS after being denied female sterilisation while men were allowed vasectomies. The parliamentary and health service ombudsman ruled against Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West ICB, finding it applied different criteria to men and women seeking permanent contraception. The ICB had refused funding based on 'regret' - a criterion not applied to men. After the ruling, the ICB agreed to review its policy and apologise. Spasova had been fighting for the procedure for 10 years, first being told she was too young to make the decision.
