Whether it's the economy and our financial problems and the thought that each child born today will cost his/her parents more than half a million dollars before his/her 18th birthday (not including college) - but men are taking charge of their bodies - and their reproductive choices - by having vasectomies. And most do say that the economy is a factor.
What has that to do with women? Well, for starters, my hat is off to the men who elect to take this responsibility. For years, it has been the woman's "job" to ensure she didn't get pregnant and usually it was her "fault" if she did. When we talk about reproductive choice, aren't we usually talking about women?
Why?
Growing up, I remember relatives remarking on a childless older couple who had tried to have a family, and whispering that "she" couldn't have kids, when no-one actually knew that. It certainly could have been the man who was unable but somehow, it all seemed to come down on the woman.
I have written before about forums and boards where men have balked at the notion of having their wings clipped (as I term it) saying that it would make them less of a man. And I noted some women agreeing with them. Sad to say that they would feel this way, when all it does it stop semen from producing sperm that can procreate. Nothing else changes with a man - his sex life remains the same - it might even be better, now that fears of pregnancy are eliminated.
Planned Parenthood in California say their numbers are up 30% for vasectomies and that there is now a 10 week wait, as opposed to the usual 3-6 waiting period.
The Journal of Urology estimates more than half a million vasectomies are performed every year in the United States.
Doctor's offices and clinics from New York to Seattle are also seeing a marked increase in the amount of procedures performed.
A vasectomy takes about 20 minutes, and costs between $500 and $1000 and insurance often picks up the bill. Recovery usually takes about a day and the procedure is almost 100% effective.
My thanks go to men who take on this responsibility!
Tell Us
Has your partner had a vasectomy or is he considering one? Has the economy in general, affected your decision to have another child?