“While women have a range of contraception options to choose from, men are presented with only two options – condoms and vasectomy,” said Jill Michelson, National Clinical Adviser for Marie Stopes International.
“For years we’ve been hearing that the male pill is on its way, and we’ve also recently been told of trials underway for a male contraceptive injection.
“But in 2010 – 50 years after women were introduced to the pill – an effective, reversible, long term contraceptive option is still out of reach for men.
“Our government needs to get serious and invest more money into researching male contraception, working to liberate women from carrying the burden of family planning once and for all.”
The sexual health organisation took the opportunity to remind men that while they are waiting for more contraceptive choice, vasectomy was an ideal method for those who have completed their family.
“With a 99.5% success rate, vasectomy is a safe, simple, highly effective and permanent way to take the worry and hassle out of contraception for you and your partner,” said Ms Michelson.
“Vasectomy is performed under local anaesthetic, blocking the vas deferens so that sperm produced in the testes can not get into the semen.
“The procedure will not change sexual ability or enjoyment, and many couples have found greater sexual freedom once they no longer have the worry of an unplanned pregnancy.”
In an effort to combat a range of myths men have about vasectomy and encourage them to talk about their sexual health, Marie Stopes International developed a real-time online vasectomy support chat service - providing men with the opportunity to get all of the answers to their questions on the procedure from the comforts of their own office or home.
“By finding out answers to their questions about the procedure, men considering a vasectomy will see how relatively straightforward one really is,” said Ms Michelson.
“And what better day to get online and have a chat than World Population Day!”
The Online Vasectomy Chat Service can be accessed via www.vasectomyinfo.com.au and is available Monday - Friday 8am - 8pm and Saturday from 8am - 2pm EST.
About Marie Stopes International: Marie Stopes International is a not-for-profit sexual and reproductive healthcare provider, with centres in the ACT, VIC, NSW, QLD and WA. MSI offers a range of services, including abortion, vasectomy, sexually transmitted infection check-ups, contraception and community-based health promotion and education. The organisation is part of a global international partnership that delivers vital health services to over five million people in 42 countries worldwide. Surplus funds support Marie Stopes International Australia, our charity partner, which works to save lives and improve sexual and reproductive health in Indigenous Australia and throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
For media enquiries please call 0421 097 150
