The Davao City Health Office (CHO) is making a renewed effort to educate the public, clearly stating that a vasectomy is a safe and effective family planning method that is fundamentally different from castration.
What is No-Scalpel Vasectomy?
For over 17 years, since 2008, the City Population Division has been providing free No-Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV) services as a permanent option for family planning. This procedure is an outpatient service that does not require major surgery.
NSV is a non-invasive process that involves cutting and sealing the vas deferens, which are the tubes responsible for carrying sperm. The entire procedure is remarkably quick, typically lasting only 10 to 15 minutes. Patients benefit from minimal aftercare needs and experience a significantly shorter healing period compared to other surgical methods.
Vasectomy vs. Castration: Key Differences Explained
A common point of confusion that the CHO aims to clear up is the difference between a vasectomy and castration. The two procedures are not the same.
In castration, the testicles are surgically removed. However, in a No-Scalpel Vasectomy, the testicles remain completely intact and functional. This is a crucial distinction because it means the procedure does not affect the body's production of testosterone. A man's sex drive, energy levels, and secondary male characteristics remain unchanged after a vasectomy.
High Effectiveness and Supportive Process
Justice Mindanao Rasgo, the NSV coordinator for the City Population Division, emphasized the method's reliability. In an interview on the Kabataan, Pamilya ug Katilingban Program over Davao City Disaster Radio, he stated that vasectomy has an effectivity rate of over 99 percent.
"Sa tana'ng family planning method, ang vasectomy ang naa sa pinaka-ibabaw nga pinakaepektibo. Nagsunod niini ang ligation sa babae," Rasgo explained, highlighting that vasectomy is the most effective family planning method, followed by female tubal ligation.
The city ensures that interested individuals are fully informed and comfortable with their decision. All clients undergo mandatory counselling before the procedure to confirm their choice and assess their fitness for NSV. To guarantee success, the Population Division also provides a free semen analysis three months after the procedure.
Dabawenyos who have decided they do not wish to have more children are encouraged to take advantage of this free service. They can reserve their slots directly with the City Population Office. For inquiries about schedules and requirements, residents may message the official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CityPopulationOfficeOfDavao.
Free family planning assistance is also available at the nearest barangay health center, district health centers, and the City Population Division office located at the Teen Center on Pelayo Street in Davao City.
