The men making vasectomies go viral in China

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In a society where reproductive responsibility has traditionally fallen on women, a growing number of Chinese men are taking to social media to share their experiences with vasectomy, challenging long-standing cultural norms and opening up much-needed conversations about masculinity, contraception, and gender equality.

In July 2023, 26-year-old Liu Luyang underwent a life-changing procedure in just 30 minutes. By choosing a vasectomy, Liu became part of a tiny percentage of men in China, as only 0.02% of men opt for this form of male sterilization. What set Liu apart, however, was his decision to document his entire experience online. Over six weeks, he shared his journey through a series of six videos titled "Sterilization Diaries" on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu. From his time in the operating room to his recovery at home, Liu offered a candid account of his decision to undergo the procedure, sparking a heated debate in the process.

While women expressed admiration for his courage and considered him an ally in a society that often places the burden of contraception on them, many men mocked him, questioning his masculinity and making sarcastic remarks such as, “Have you done a paternity test yet?” Despite the criticism, Liu remained steadfast and continued to share his story.

“To me, masculinity means taking responsibility, protecting my family, and making decisions that ensure our future,” Liu told Sixth Tone. This view of masculinity is one that aligns with a small but growing number of men in China who are challenging the status quo and advocating for shared reproductive responsibility.

Liu’s decision reflects a shift in attitudes among a new generation of Chinese men, many of whom are in their 20s and born after 2000. Through social media, these men are trying to normalize vasectomy and start conversations that have been largely absent in the offline world. With the support of medical professionals, who emphasize the safety and simplicity of the procedure, these men are using their platforms to provide useful information, debunk myths, and address the doubts surrounding vasectomy. These posts have garnered millions of views and sparked a wider dialogue.

Liu isn’t the only one to publicly share his vasectomy experience. Three men have gained attention on platforms like Xiaohongshu and Douyin (China’s version of TikTok) by sharing videos and posts about the procedure. Their experiences vary: some focused on the logistics, such as the cost, hospital protocols, and recovery timeline, while others took a more assertive approach by addressing misconceptions about vasectomy and the supposed impact on masculinity.

For many men, the hardest part of the experience is not sharing their stories with strangers online, but confronting family and meeting their partners’ expectations. Liu’s wife, Zhai, a 33-year-old kindergarten teacher, was initially cautious about the procedure. She worried that Liu might be making a hasty decision but ultimately supported him after doing extensive research on the procedure. However, the backlash came from her mother, who questioned Liu’s choice and insisted that Zhai get an intrauterine device (IUD) instead. Liu, unfazed, pressed ahead with the surgery.

In China, the overwhelming majority of sterilization procedures have historically been women’s responsibility. In 2020, official statistics showed that only 0.02% of sterilization surgeries were vasectomies, while the rest of the procedures predominantly involved women, such as abortions (61%) and IUD insertions (17%). This disparity underscores the gendered nature of reproductive responsibility in China.

While vasectomy is less invasive, safer, and simpler than many female contraceptive options, misconceptions about the procedure persist. Liao Xuefen, a chief physician at Liuzhou Hospital, emphasizes that vasectomy is a straightforward and minimally invasive procedure, which does not affect sexual function. Increasingly, doctors are using social media to advocate for male sterilization, hoping to educate the public and shift attitudes.

Liu’s own videos offer a clear portrayal of the procedure, providing a step-by-step guide for those curious about the process. In one video, Liu explains how he arrived at the hospital, underwent preoperative tests, and had the procedure completed within half an hour. He also debunks common myths, assuring viewers that the procedure is virtually painless and carries minimal risks. The cost of the procedure, including all preoperative exams, was approximately 1,600 yuan ($219), with most of it covered by health insurance.

Since Liu posted his videos, the topic of male vasectomy has gained significant traction online, amassing over 230 million views and sparking 1.38 million discussions on Xiaohongshu. His videos have resonated with men who are curious about vasectomy, and many have reached out for advice on topics like appointment scheduling, recovery time, and finding doctors. Some even inquire about how to approach the subject with their partners and family.

For Lin Sen, a 28-year-old from Sichuan province, the decision to undergo a vasectomy came after a difficult and emotionally charged experience with an unintended pregnancy. After opting for an abortion, Lin and his wife decided to take control of their reproductive future. Lin documented his journey on Xiaohongshu, where over 110,000 people followed his posts. By the 15th day after surgery, Lin had resumed normal sexual activity, and his check-up two months later confirmed the success of the procedure.

Despite the growing number of men documenting their vasectomy experiences, Joy Lin, the founder of the gender-related initiative Wequality, cautions that societal and cultural barriers remain. In China, sterilization is still viewed as a women’s issue, and the pressures of traditional gender roles persist. Furthermore, China’s changing family policies, which now emphasize larger families, may contribute to the hesitation surrounding vasectomy.

Nevertheless, there are signs of change, especially among younger generations. Jiang Yijun, a 35-year-old medical professional from Sichuan, found himself navigating the cultural expectations surrounding his decision. Despite the initial surprise of his parents, they respected his autonomy. Jiang believes that younger generations are more likely to opt out of parenthood or choose sterilization due to the pressures and costs of raising children. He sees this shift as part of a broader movement towards greater gender equality and personal autonomy.

Through his videos, Jiang hopes to normalize vasectomy and encourage more men to take responsibility for their reproductive choices. “I want to help others see that vasectomy is a safe, simple procedure, and nothing to be ashamed of,” he says. With more men like Liu, Lin, and Jiang sharing their stories, the conversation around male sterilization in China is gaining momentum, challenging societal norms, and paving the way for a more equitable distribution of reproductive responsibility.

Source: https://www.sixthtone.com

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