The online video,Vasectomy: Australian Men’s Perspective, features three men who have had a vasectomy, including 40-year-old Robert, who shot to fame last year when he made Australian television history by having a vasectomy live on national TV. Robert had been considering a vasectomy since the birth of his youngest child five years ago.

“The procedure itself was a lot easier than I thought it would be. I felt no discomfort at all and am very happy that I made the decision to have it done,” Robert said.

“I think it’s important that you discuss the procedure, get some research, go on the Marie Stopes International website - it’s a click of a button. The key thing is, find out for yourself.”

Marie Stopes International developed the video in response to the findings of a major independent survey of 1000 men, which found that 24% of men wrongly believed that having a vasectomy is ‘reallypainful’. The research, conducted by Quantum Market Research, also indicated that men are reluctant to talk about contraception and their own sexual and reproductive health.

“Due to traditional male attitudes, men rarely even speak to their mates about sexual health issues and are often reluctant to seek professional medical advice,” said Ms Suzanne Dvorak, Australian CEO of Marie Stopes International.

Marie Stopes International believes that the video will be a step towards allaying men’s fears about theprocedure and dispelling many of the myths that remain about vasectomy.

“Many men believe that they will experience a high level of pain during and after their 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.”

Vasectomy is the only permanent method of contraception for men, with a 99.5% success rate. Ideal for men who have completed their families or do not want to have any children, it is safe, simple and highly effective.

By incorporating real-life stories alongside medical facts on vasectomy, men will be provided with a more realistic understanding of the procedure.

“What better week to get online and watch it than International Men’s Health Week!” Ms Dvorak said.