CINCINNATI — Since the leaking of a U.S. Supreme Court draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade, one medical procedure is spiking among men. 

The Urology Group has seen a sharp increase in the number of men seeking vasectomies. 

The number of vasectomies performed in June was 19% higher than June 2021, and there was a 14% increase in July compared to July 2021.

Also, if physicians at The Urology Group perform all vasectomies scheduled for August, the month will be an 80% increase over Aug. 2021.

“A vasectomy is a fairly straightforward office procedure,” TUG President Gary Kirsh said. 

Kirsh said while the numbers are increasing, group members aren’t exactly sure why, but the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade could be part of the reason. 

“We haven’t seen an increase like this in many years, if ever,” Kirsh said. “And then to see this kind of jump in interest right after the Roe v. Wade decision, while it’s not proof, it’s suggestive.” 

Across the state, the trend varies.

In Columbus, the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center reported a 2% increase of men receiving a vasectomy over June, July and August compared to the same period in 2021. However, more than 100 men are being referred to schedule a consultation or procedure at the hospital. 

The Cleveland Clinic also reported a substantial increase in men seeking more information about the procedure in July. 

Kirsh reasoned many men elect to undergo the procedure since it’s easier than a tubal ligation for a woman and they are reasonably affordable. Kirsh also said most men typically get a vasectomy to limit the number of children they can produce. 

“Vasectomies are a really viable means of birth control as long as you want a permanent method of birth control and that men increasingly adopting it is a sign that they don’t need to be afraid of the procedure, that it can be done very comfortably, quickly and safely,” Kirsh said.