JakartaPost-Apr 21
While some see vasectomy as a way to ease the disproportionate contraceptive burden on women, others remain cautious, partly due to misconceptions equating it with castration, removal of testicular function, which is often associated with reduced hormones, libido and “loss of masculinity”. Despite facing skepticism, Andi Wijaya, 31, remains determined to undergo a vasectomy, viewing the permanent male sterilization procedure as a more equitable form of contraception with fewer health risks than hormonal birth control for women. “I believe women shouldn’t have to bear the burden or suffering when it comes to sex and contraception. With vasectomy, men don’t really suffer, so why not do it?” he said, expressing hope that the government would ease eligibility requirements for its free vasectomy program, which currently requires participants to be at least 35 years old and have two children. A private vasectomy procedure can cost up to Rp 15 million (US$874), meaning he has to save up before undergoing it. Beyond financial barriers, Andi has also faced persistent social stigma, with widespread misconceptions, such as claims that vasectomy reduces sexual performance, discouraging many men. Vasectomy has recently sparked heated debate on social media, particularly after an influencer known as Dorippu shared her husband’s experience of undergoing the procedure after they had three children and went through four pregnancies. While some see vasectomy as a way to ease the disproportionate contraceptive burden on women, others remain cautious, partly due to misconceptions equating it with castration, removal of testicular function, which is often associated with reduced hormones, libido and “loss of masculinity”. Population and Family Development Minister Wihaji, who also heads the National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN), said the government is encouraging greater male participation in family planning to promote gender equity. Citing 2025 data, he noted that 96.7 percent of family planning participants are women, while only 3.3 percent are men. Read more at: https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2026/04/21/vasectomy-debate-highlights-gender-gap-in-family-planning.html?utm_source=(direct)&utm_medium=home_latest.
