By Michelle Ducut
An increasing number of men in the Cordillera region are opting for non-scalpel vasectomy (NSV) as part of family planning, marking a shift toward shared responsibility in reproductive health. Dr. Nelson Hora, Medical Officer IV at the Baguio Health Services Office, reported on Thursday that the procedure has gained significant traction among Cordillera men over the past decade.
First introduced at the Baguio Health Services Office in 2010, NSV initially saw limited interest, with only one or two men availing of the service each year. However, interest has grown substantially. During a November 2021 NSV campaign, around 50 men opted for the procedure—a pattern that has continued each year, with 48 men availing themselves of NSV during similar campaigns in 2022 and 2023.
The increase in NSV adoption is particularly notable among professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, and office workers, though men from various occupations, including construction, have also participated. Most of these individuals are over the age of 30, reflecting a broader recognition of men’s roles in family planning and a shift in traditional perceptions.
NSV is a minimally invasive, permanent contraceptive method involving a minor 15-minute surgery to sever the vas deferens. It is nearly 99% effective and considered irreversible, making it a choice for those committed to long-term contraception.
Glenda Dacanay, Nurse V with the Department of Health-Cordillera’s Public Health Management Cluster, highlighted that the number of trained NSV providers has also increased, with 25 doctors across various provinces now equipped to perform the procedure.
The rise in NSV adoption in the Cordillera region mirrors broader global trends in family planning where men are taking more active roles, a development that health officials hope will encourage greater gender equity in reproductive responsibilities.