FRONTIERS Projects | Expanding Access to Vasectomy Services in Guatemala

FRONTIERS PROJECT
Expanding Access to Vasectomy Services in Guatemala

FRONTIERS worked with the Association of Preventive Health So Woman Can Live Better (APROVIME) to increase access to vasectomy through outreach to men and women who are interested in a permanent contraceptive method. Eight surgeons from six participating health units were trained. On average, surgeons performed 8.25 vasectomies in an average of 3.75 surgery sessions in 12 weeks to complete their training. During follow-up, each surgeon participated in an average of 3.5 surgery sessions and performed 9.25 vasectomies. The introduction model was capable of introducing sustainable vasectomy services in the selected sites. The Ministry of Health can replicate the training at an approximate cost of $900 per certified surgeon in the short term, and at approximately US $136 per surgeon in the long term.

Location

Guatemala

Duration

January 2004–August 2005

Population Council researchers

Ricardo Vernon

(For more information about this study, please contact frontiers@popcouncil.org.)

Non-Council collaborator

Association of Preventive Health So Woman Can Live Better (APROVIME)

Donor

US Agency for International Development

Publications/Resources
Council researchers' names appear in boldface type.

2008
"Guatemala: On-site training and outreach increases demand for and provision of vasectomy," FRONTIERS OR Summary no. 67. Washington, DC: Population Council. (full text)

2007
de Rodriguez, Blanca, Ricardo Vernon, and Jorge Solórzano. "Expanding access to vasectomy services in the Ministry of Health of Guatemala," FRONTIERS Final Report. Washington, DC: Population Council. (PDF)

Vernon, Ricardo, Jorge Solórzano, and Blanca Muñoz. "Introducing sustainable vasectomy services in Guatemala," International Family Planning Perspectives 33(4): 182–187. (offsite PDF)