Why more men in their 20s are having vasectomies

An increasing number of men in their 20s and 30s are opting for vasectomies, driven by factors such as personal trauma, mental health, and a desire to share the burden of contraception. NHS data shows a 16% rise in the procedure in England over the past year.
Why it matters
The trend highlights shifting attitudes toward male reproductive responsibility and the impact of paternal mental health on family planning decisions.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google George Sandeman Alex West Alex West says he remembers the months after the births of his two sons as "grey" Alex West was left harrowed by the difficult labour his wife endured for their first child. When it came to their second, he hoped for a much smoother arrival.
The birth did go better for his wife - but not for him.
"I had a panic attack and broke down. I hadn't been able to - I didn't have the ability to - process that," Alex says.
Unresolved trauma from his wife's first labour and his subsequent postnatal depression meant Alex didn't want to continue with the couple's plan to have four children.
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