A new phenomenon: Young men choose vasectomy as safe form of contraception
Why do young men choose vasectomy
Why More Young Men Are Choosing Vasectomy Than Ever Before
In recent years—especially since the COVID-19 pandemic—we’ve noticed a remarkable shift: a growing number of young men are choosing vasectomy as their preferred method of contraception. And we’re not just talking about men in their early 30s. We now see requests from those as young as 18 to 22.
A decade ago, a vasectomy request from someone under 30 was rare—maybe one every few months. Today, we receive one to three enquiries from young men every single week.
What Counts as “Young”?
At Thames Valley Vasectomy Services, we define a “young man” as:
- Anyone under 30 without children
- Anyone under 25 who already has children
This definition may be a little arbitrary, but after years of experience, it reflects the kinds of conversations we’re having and feels right for our clinical practice
Why Are Young Men Requesting Vasectomy?
1. Climate and Population Concerns
The leading reason we hear? Worries about the future of the planet.
Many young men express strong feelings about climate change and overpopulation. They see choosing not to have children as a responsible, ethical decision that aligns with their values. It’s a mindset shift that older generations may find surprising—but it’s heartfelt, thoughtful, and increasingly common.
2. Parented Young and Done
Some men have children already—often at a young age—and feel confident they don’t want more. They’re clear and settled in their decision.
3. Personal and Medical Considerations
Other patients tell us they feel unable to raise children due to personal circumstances or medical conditions (such as autism). What stands out is how seriously they’ve considered the implications—often more so than some older patients.
What About Vasectomy Regret?
Statistically, younger men do have a slightly higher chance of vasectomy regret. It’s most common in those who are:
- Unmarried
- Not currently in a relationship
- Or who’ve never been in a relationship
Is it really regret?
But it’s important to understand what “regret” really means. In most cases, it’s not that the patient feels vasectomy was the wrong decision at the time. Instead, it’s a change of circumstances – often meeting a partner later who wants children.
And here’s something we see frequently:
> Men who reversed their vasectomy to have more children often return for a second vasectomy once their families are complete.
That’s not regret. That’s making informed decisions that reflect different life stages.
A Thoughtful, Long-Term Decision
Most young men who contact us have been thinking about vasectomy for years—sometimes since their teens. It typically takes 5 to 10 years of consideration before they reach out.
We respect that. And we’ve designed a dedicated Young Patient Pathway to support them.
This includes:
- A reflection-based form with important “What if…” questions
- A calm, no-pressure consultation focused on informed decision-making
- The option to freeze sperm before the procedure
Final Word
There’s no universal “right” answer when it comes to vasectomy. It’s meant to be permanent—but in many cases, it can be reversed successfully. However, reversals aren’t guaranteed, so we always discuss all options thoroughly.
We’re here to support young men through the decision, with clarity, empathy, and clinical care.
Thinking about vasectomy? Whether you’re 25 or 45, our experienced team is here to help you make an informed and supported decision.