Background: Vasectomy is one of the most effective contraception for men and most popular in many developed countries. However, the method is less known and used in Nigeria due to fear of impotence, and violation of God's creation. As a result, only few men are willing to take up the method. Marie Stopes Nigeria is increasing men's choice of safe contraceptive options. Hence, a simple, but effective out-patient vasectomy procedure was introduced in the our centres of excellence. Strategic behaviour change communication approach was layered on to raise awareness, correct misconceptions, change attitude and generate demand for the service. Our study aims to understand the uptake of vasectomy services, the user demographics, and the motivation for its use.
Methods: The study was retrospective analysis of 25 clients who received vasectomy in MSION Centres of excellence in Abuja, Lagos and Benin between 2018 and 2021. The data was retrieved from MSION service statistics database. Following informed consent, in-depth interview was conducted with the users to understand their motivation and decision-making journey.
Results: A total of thirty-one clients accepted vasectomy in Marie Stopes Centres The uptake of the service increased from 1 in 2017, to 31 2021. The clients were between age 25 and 54. More than half had two or more children. However, 6 had no children. Sixteen were skilled workers in the private sector Out of these, 15 were existing clients of MSION and had accessed male condoms while 12 were new. Two of the users had never used condoms. The users were mostly married.
Conclusion: The utilization of vasectomy is gaining traction due to safety in the procedure, continuum of care and client satisfaction with the procedure. Training of health workers to provide safe and quality vasectomy services in Nigeria is recommended
