Objective:

To demographically characterize men who undergo vasectomies in Colombia, in order to generate evidence to guide the adaptation of health services with a focus on gender equity to the needs of men.

Methodology:

Descriptive study based on the Colombian Demography and Health survey (2015) and the registry of users who accessed the vasectomy service in Profamilia during 2015 and 2016. The variables used were age, level of education, place of residence, ethnicity, residence stratum, marital status, number of children born alive and variables related to gender roles.

Results:

The percentage of men who have access to vasectomy has increased, although not with the expected intensity. In general terms, the profile of the man who decides to have a vasectomy in Colombia is between 30 and 40 years old in strata 2 and 3, resident in urban areas, at least with a secondary education level, married and with children, and also a contributor to the health system. The persistence of social and cultural barriers that affect the widespread and sustained use of this contraceptive method were observed.

Conclusions:

This study allowed identify the profile of the Colombian man who undergoes vasectomy.

Recommendations:

To extend vasectomy as an option of easily available and accessible method for men; to eliminate gender stereotypes and promote shared contraceptive responsibilities for men and women; as well as the implementation of models of sexual and reproductive health care, which become more inclusive and also focused on the needs of men.

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