Birth control through sterilization. 1. Vasectomy: advantages and limitations.

Only in the last decade has sterilization of both men and women become so much used. 750000 vasectomies were being performed in the US in 1970. Its popularity as a method of birth control is due to its being safe easy and effective as well as being readily available from doctors and clinics nationwide. Although it is possible to reverse vasectomies patients are advised that it is probably permanent and not to have the operation until they are sure they do not want more children. Research is being done on making vasectomy more reversible. Freezing sperm for later use in insemination is also possible. About 75% of all sterilizations are now being done on men but the raio may swing back to 60% women to 40% men. Nurses are being given special preparatory courses to help them act as family planning practitioners. As such they are to advise on birth control measures and promote the 2-child-or-less family.