More men without kids are getting vasectomies, doctors say

In the last 30 years, Dr. Errol Billinkoff has rarely seen childless men come into his Winnipeg clinic for a vasectomy. However, since the onset of the pandemic, he has noticed a significant increase in men opting for the procedure. This trend is not unique to his practice, as doctors across Canada, such as Dr. Pierre Boucher in Montreal and Dr. Neil Pollock in Vancouver, have also observed a rise in vasectomies among men without children.

This surge in vasectomies coincides with Canada’s declining fertility rate, which hit a record low of 1.26 children born per woman in 2023, down from 1.47 in 2019. The reasons behind this shift, according to doctors, include concerns about the economy, climate change, and a desire for more freedom.

Ian Clements, a 30-year-old who recently underwent a vasectomy, cited his fear of having children and the challenges his girlfriend faced with birth control as factors in his decision. Similarly, Daniel Kinley, who also chose to get a vasectomy, explained that neither he nor his fiancée wanted children, and it was easier for him to take on the responsibility for birth control.

Michigan State University’s Zachary Neal noted that there may have always been a significant number of individuals who did not want children but felt stigmatized in expressing their choice. As societal attitudes shift and more people openly embrace a child-free lifestyle, the number of individuals opting out of parenthood may appear to be increasing.

Traditionally, physicians have been hesitant to perform vasectomies on young, childless men due to concerns about potential regret. However, as more men like Clements and Kinley assert their autonomy in making this decision, doctors like Billinkoff are reevaluating their approach. Billinkoff emphasized that it is ultimately the patient’s choice, and as attitudes towards parenthood evolve, so too must medical practices.

The growing trend of childless men opting for vasectomies reflects a broader societal shift towards greater acceptance of diverse family choices. As individuals assert their autonomy in deciding whether or not to have children, healthcare providers are adapting to meet the changing needs and preferences of their patients.