Warning about 'vasectomania ’

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33452, 6 February 1974, Page 15

Warning about 'vasectomania ’

f.V.Z. Press Association—Copyright) LONDON. “Vasectomania” may sweep through Britain because vasectomy is being “oversold,” according to Dr David Wolfers and his wife, Helen, of the International Institute for Human Reproduction, Columbia University. New York, who beneve that the operation should be treated with more respect.

“It is not something to be promoted, as if it were a soap powder,” said Mrs Wolfers, who, with her husband, has been researching vasectomy, and other forms of birth control, in Britain and overseas. “We are not against vasectomy, as such,” said the London-born Dr Wolfers. “It is a perfectly good form of birth control for the majority of men. An ideal subject is the chap in his thirties who has two children, doesn’t want any more, is sure of his manhood, and has no problems. “But too much promotion, perhaps making vasectomy a fashion, will bring in men who are not suitable —those who are not so sure of themI selves sexually—and the

| operation may bring them ■added problems.” Mrs Wolfers said: “The: (effects may be depression,) ■impotence, suicidal tendencies) I —or a man may become a! )Don Juan: we have cases showing that this has I happened. ! “If the wife is so keen on (not having babies, then she (should be sterilised, not her husband.” ! The husband-and-wife team I have written a book, ! “Vasectomy and Vasecto- ■ mania,” just published in ■ Britain.