Public opinion on and potential demand for vasectomy in semi-rural Guatemala

Abstract

In this study of 1,600 men aged 25-50 from semi-rural Guatemala, three-fourths had heard of vasectomy. Among these, 54 per cent approved of it. However, the survey reveals a widespread lack of knowledge regarding the procedure, as well as negative perceptions or doubts about its effect on sexual performance, ability to do hard work, health, and manhood. One-fourth of the respondents who knew of vasectomy and who desired no more children expressed interest in having the operation, a finding which raises questions as to the potential (unrecognized) demand for vasectomy in other developing countries.