'Will it make me less of a man?': Vasectomy in UAE remains a stigma, say doctors

Khaleej Times

08-07-2025

Although vasectomy is widely regarded around the world as a simple, safe, and long-term method of birth control, it remains one of the most misunderstood procedures in the UAE.
Misconceptions tied to masculinity, reversibility, and sexual function have kept interest low — even as more men are quietly discussing it in online spaces and behind closed doors.
Take Karim (name withheld upon request), a 34-year-old Abu Dhabi resident who first explored the option in 2019. His inquiry at a local clinic was met with confusion.
'The receptionist told me, 'We don't do that here. It's illegal in the UAE,'' he recalled. 'But I knew it wasn't, I had already researched it online.'
Determined, Karim continued searching until he found a private provider offering a non-scalpel vasectomy. The entire procedure took less than 30 minutes and caused minimal discomfort. Yet, what lingered wasn't the physical pain — it was the stigma.
'Even the doctor asked me if my wife (had) agreed. I had to assure him it wasn't a midlife crisis," he said.
Karim explained that the decision was not impulsive — it was a deeply considered, mutual decision. 'My wife has a chronic medical condition that makes pregnancy risky. We both knew early on we didn't want to take that chance, and I didn't want her to go through years of hormonal birth control just because I was afraid of a simple procedure.'
Low awareness
Despite being proven as one of the most effective and affordable long-term contraception methods for men, vasectomy uptake in the Middle East remains limited.
A 2021 study published in Urology Annals revealed that only 13 per cent of men in a Middle Eastern sample had even heard of the procedure. Just 0.4 per cent had undergone the procedure. Researchers pointed to religious beliefs, social pressure, and poor public health awareness as key barriers.
'There are massive misconceptions,' said Dr Hossam Zeitoun, a consultant urologist based in Abu Dhabi. 'The most common fears are about impotence, testosterone loss, or being less of a man. None of these are true, but they're deeply ingrained.'
What a vasectomy really involves
A vasectomy is a minor operation that involves cutting or blocking the vas deferens — the tubes that carry sperm — thereby preventing pregnancy. The non-scalpel version, widely used today, requires just a small puncture rather than stitches, with patients typically recovering within 48 hours.
'It has no impact on hormones or sexual performance,' Dr Zeitoun emphasised. 'Men will still produce semen; it simply won't contain sperm. But many still don't understand that."
Financial and systemic barriers
Beyond misinformation and misconceptions, a lack of financial and institutional support also discourages men from considering the procedure. While the procedure is legally allowed in the UAE, it is rarely covered by private health insurance.
'Costs typically range from Dh4,000 to Dh10,000,' said Dr Mohammed Arif, a Dubai-based urologist. 'It's considered an elective procedure, so most patients end up paying out of pocket.'
Adding to the challenge is a lack of national education or public health campaigns promoting male sterilisation — unlike the global efforts around female contraceptives.
A conversation still behind closed doors
With little open dialogue in mainstream settings in the UAE, many men — especially expats — turn to anonymous platforms like Reddit or private Facebook groups to seek information or anonymously share personal experiences.
'Some patients come in already informed, others ask things like 'Will I lose my sex drive?' or 'Will people know?'' said Dr Arif. 'That shows you how private and misunderstood this still is.'
Karim said that even now, he hasn't told most of his family or friends about the procedure. 'We didn't want kids, and that's our decision. But I don't want to spend time explaining that I'm not broken or selfish. It's just personal.'