A Bold Move Towards Gender Equality in Contraception

Liu Luyang’s life changed dramatically after a 30-minute hospital visit and two small incisions.

In July 2023, Liu became one of the 0.02% of Chinese men who chose vasectomy as a contraceptive measure.

This was just the beginning. Over six weeks, Liu uploaded six two-minute videos titled Vasectomy Diaries on his social media channel. The videos documented his journey from the surgery room to recovery at home.

The responses were polarized. Women praised Liu for his bravery and hailed him as a rare ally, while men mocked his masculinity with sarcastic comments like, “Did you get a paternity test before doing that?”

“For me, masculinity means taking responsibility, protecting my family, and ensuring the safety of my wife and children from external pressures, including relatives,” said the 26-year-old father of two. Liu stood firm in his decision and continued sharing his story online.

A growing number of young Chinese men, particularly those born after 2000, are using social media to share their vasectomy experiences. Their posts, which aim to shed light on a topic once considered taboo, have garnered millions of views and sparked long-overdue discussions.

Before deciding on vasectomy, Liu and his wife, Zhai, had extensive discussions.

Zhai, a 33-year-old kindergarten teacher, researched the procedure thoroughly and shared her findings with Liu. However, she didn’t pressure him into it.

“I encouraged him to think carefully before making a decision. Over a year later, neither of us regrets it,” Zhai said.

Despite their mutual agreement, Zhai faced backlash from her family.

“How could you let your husband do that?” her mother scolded, arguing that the decision was a mistake since the family should aim for a granddaughter despite already having two grandsons.

Liu, however, dismissed his mother-in-law’s objections, emphasizing that reproductive responsibility should be shared equally in modern society.

In China, contraception has traditionally been a woman’s burden.

While official data on family planning after 2021 is unavailable, records show that in 2020, women underwent 14.7 million contraceptive procedures. Among these:

In contrast, only 2,600 men underwent vasectomy—just 0.02% of all procedures.

Female contraceptive surgeries are invasive, painful, and carry significant risks, requiring longer recovery times. By comparison, vasectomy is simpler, less invasive, and has fewer complications.

Doctors like Liao Xuefen, head of a department at Liuzhou Hospital under the Guangzhou Center for Women and Children’s Health, emphasize the safety, affordability, and minimal physical impact of vasectomy for men. Increasingly, they are using social media to advocate for male sterilization, aiming to shift public perception and behavior.

Liu’s videos highlight these benefits, showing his hospital experience, the simplicity of the procedure, and addressing common fears and misconceptions.

In one video titled Finally Got a Vasectomy at 25, Liu detailed his surgery day, from registration to the procedure. He reassured his wife, even as she hesitated, and described the post-surgery experience as “minimally invasive but slightly painful.” The total cost, including medical tests, was approximately 1,600 yuan ($220), fully covered by insurance.

Since Liu’s posts, vasectomy discussions have surged on Xiaohongshu, amassing over 230 million views and 1.38 million comments.

Joy Lin, founder of Wequality, a gender initiative in Shanghai, notes that while vasectomy is a viable long-term contraceptive solution, cultural and societal barriers remain significant.

“An aging population crisis and women’s reluctance or fear of childbirth are driving resistance to male sterilization or other long-term contraceptive measures,” Lin said. She highlighted how traditional norms place the burden of contraception on women.

Jiang Yijun, a 35-year-old medical expert from Sichuan, carefully planned his vasectomy. He informed his parents only after the procedure, and while initially surprised, they respected his decision.

“For many parents, as long as their children are healthy and happy, the decision to have more kids is less important,” Jiang said.

He also observed a growing trend of Gen Z men embracing vasectomy as a lifestyle choice. Financial constraints, high childcare costs, and the pressure of parenting make childlessness an appealing option for many young people who prioritize personal fulfillment.

“Unlike older generations who cling to the idea of ‘raising children to secure old age,’ today’s youth value happiness and independence,” Jiang said. “By focusing on what truly matters to them, they’re better equipped to make and stand by their choices.”