On the eve of St Valentine’s Day, Australia’s leading sexual and reproductive healthcare organisation today suggested men consider vasectomy as a permanent contraceptive option – and a Valentine’s present with a difference!

“A vasectomy is perhaps not as romantic as chocolate and roses, but not having to worry about contraception is a present many women would appreciate!” said Suzanne Dvorak, Australian CEO of Marie Stopes International Australia.

Vasectomy is an ideal method of contraception for men who have completed their families and, with a 99.5% success rate, is safe, simple, highly effective and permanent.

Research, however, has shown that some men are afraid to undergo a vasectomy as they believe it is will affect their sexual performance and testosterone levels.

A major independent survey of 1000 men, conducted by Quantum Market Research has found that 24% of men wrongly believed that having a vasectomy is ‘really painful’ and were reluctant to talk about both contraception and their own sexual and reproductive health.

“The truth is that having a vasectomy is a relatively pain free procedure, and won’t effect your sex life or performance,” Ms Dvorak said.

“Many couples have actually found greater sexual freedom once they no longer have the worry of contraception or an unplanned pregnancy.”

To provide men with the opportunity to find out more about vasectomy without leaving the comforts of their own home or office, Marie Stopes International Australia have developed an online vasectomy information video.

Vasectomy: Australian Men’s Perspective, features three men who have had a vasectomy, including 40-year-old Robert, who shot to fame when he made Australian television history by having a vasectomy live on national TV.

“Feedback has shown that the video has helped in allaying men’s fears about the procedure and dispelling many of the myths that remain about vasectomy,” Ms Dvorak said.

“Hopefully by listening to the three men’s experiences and finding out answers to their questions about the procedure, men considering a vasectomy will see how relatively straightforward one really is.

“And they can solve their last minute Valentine’s Day present dilemma!”

Vasectomy: Australian Men’s Perspective can be downloaded at www.vasectomyinfo.com.au. To enquire about booking a vasectomy, phone Freecall 1800 003 707 (ends)

About Marie Stopes International Australia

Marie Stopes International Australia is a not-for-profit sexual and reproductive healthcare provider, with centres in the ACT, Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia. The organisation offers a range of services, including abortion, vasectomy, sexually transmitted infection check-ups and contraception. Surplus proceeds from Australian activities support the work of the Marie Stopes International Australia Partnership, which delivers sexual and reproductive health services to over four million people in 37 countries worldwide.

For media enquiries contact:Samantha Smith, Public Relations0421 097 150