Pune’s Sterilization Statistics Reveal Stark Gender Divide, Men Remain Reluctant For Procedure

Pune, 26th December 2024: In a city like Pune, there is a notable trend of men not coming forward for sterilization surgery. From April to November this year, 5,408 women underwent sterilization surgeries in Pune, while only 237 men underwent the procedure.

The Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) Health Department set a target of 12,062 sterilization surgeries for women for the period from April 2022 to March 2023. Of this, 67% of the target was achieved, with 8,165 women undergoing surgery. The target for men during the same period was 1,095, of which only 23% (254 men) underwent the procedure.

For the period from April 2023 to March 2024, the Health Department set a target of 13,200 women, of which 74% (9,713 women) underwent surgery. The target for men was 1,100, and 31% (348 men) underwent the procedure. These statistics reveal that the number of men undergoing sterilization has not increased significantly in recent years. Men account for only 3% of sterilization surgeries compared to women.

Why are fewer men opting for the procedure? Experts cite several factors: insufficient information about sterilization surgery, misconceptions about reduced sexual ability following the procedure, social stigmas about men undergoing sterilization, a lack of awareness at the government level, and challenges for NGOs in reaching eligible men.

Dr. Praveen Sonawane, Pune Head of the Family Planning Association of India, explained, “There are many misconceptions in society about sterilization for men. On the other hand, health facilities for women’s sterilization are easily accessible. Men are often unaware of where to go for such surgeries. In a city like Pune, companies should collaborate with organizations like ours to create awareness about sterilization among male employees.”