This brief focuses on the following points:

• Vasectomy is a very safe, convenient, highly effective, and simple surgical form of contraception for men that is provided under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting and is intended to be permanent.
• Although vasectomy is safer, simpler, less expensive, and equally effective as female sterilization, it remains the least known and least used modern contraceptive method.
• Men in every region and cultural, religious, or socioeconomic setting show interest in or use of vasectomy, despite commonly held assumptions about negative male attitudes or societal prohibitions; however, men often lack full access to information and services.
• Thoughtful, male-centered programming has resulted in greater use of vasectomy.
• Effective FP/RH programs should have an active, accessible, vasectomy component that delivers quality services, with wide contraceptive options for the man and his partner, and informed choice.