Vasectomy Gaining Popularity Among Zambian Men as Alternative to Contraceptive Use

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Lusaka, Zambia – In an effort to curb unwanted pregnancies and regulate family sizes, contraception remains a vital method many individuals rely on. However, for some women, the side effects of hormonal contraception can make it difficult for them to maintain their preferred family planning. As a result, more Zambian men are turning to vasectomy as a permanent alternative.
A vasectomy is a permanent male birth control method, where the tubes that carry sperm are cut and sealed, preventing sperm from mixing with semen. It’s an irreversible procedure, which means men must be sure they no longer wish to father children before proceeding.
One such man is 51-year-old Wilson Zulu, a father of three, who made the decision to undergo the procedure. Zulu shared that the vasectomy has significantly improved his quality of life, allowing him to focus more on his family’s needs without the added worry of potential pregnancies.
“I’m able to plan the future of my children without the stress of worrying about having more,” Zulu said. “The procedure allowed me to prioritize the needs of my current family.”
Zulu, along with other men who have chosen vasectomy, is now actively participating in community sensitization campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the importance of family planning.
Zulu expressed frustration over the pressures many women face to use contraception, particularly when they experience side effects with some methods.
“The most common side effects are spotting or bleeding between periods (this is more common with progestin-only pills), sore breasts, nausea, or headaches. But these usually go away after 2 or 3 months, and they don’t happen to everyone who takes the pill.
“It’s unfortunate that men who father children often push women to use contraceptives, even when those methods come with challenges. Men can take responsibility, too, and save their spouses from such difficulties,” Zulu added.
The rise of vasectomy as an alternative to female contraceptives is also gaining momentum, thanks to growing support from health professionals like Daliso Zulu, Executive Director of World Vasectomy Day and staff member at Langiza Chikondi Clinic in Lusaka.
Daliso Zulu reported that over 500 men underwent vasectomy in 2024, and the clinic is seeing a steady increase in demand, with nearly 10 men already booking appointments for vasectomy procedures in February 2025 alone.
He stressed the importance of continuing sensitization campaigns to raise awareness of vasectomy as a reliable family planning option.
“Mphala or Nsaka gatherings, where men meet to discuss family planning, are central to these efforts,” Daliso Zulu explained. “These discussions play a significant role in spreading awareness and ensuring men are fully informed about their options.”
With more men choosing vasectomy, it’s clear that both understanding and awareness of this method are on the rise in Zambia, giving men a permanent, reliable solution to family planning.

About the Author
Samuel Saizi Mbewe is a Zambian health and environment journalist with over five years of experience writing for local and international publications.
Mbewe’s main areas of interest include health, climate change, reproductive health, HIV, TB, and vaccines.