The NSVI 2015 Mission – No-Scalpel Vasectomy in the Philippines

Vasectomy – that is, microsurgical male contraception – was the leading theme of the NSVI medical mission, which took place in February 2015 in the Philippines. This was already the thirteenth edition of this international undertaking, whose aim is to popularise effective and modern methods of contraception for men.

The event brought together the largest team in the history of NSVI (No Scalpel Vasectomy International). Such a large undertaking would not have been possible without many months of work by the local Philippine team and the coordination of activities by the NSVI board.

10 doctors performing vasectomies and 4 assistants from 6 countries shared their experience with local medical students and with doctors who came for training from the Mindanao region. In total 6 new operators were trained.

Day 1 – 3 February: Sacred Heart Hospital, Cebu

The first day of the mission began at Sacred Heart Hospital in Cebu. From the morning the local media appeared on site, interested in the presence of the international team. Dr Douglas Stein presented the idea behind NSVI and the advantages of no-scalpel vasectomy.

At the same time the rest of the team was preparing the treatment rooms and started the first procedures. All activities were carefully documented – the mission also had an educational and promotional dimension.

We encourage you to watch the film from the NSVI 2015 mission in the Philippines (in English).

Day 2 – 4 February: Press conference and demonstration of the needle-free method

On the second day of the mission a press conference was held at the Medical University in Cebu, which was the training venue and at the same time the alma mater of the founders of NSVI.

Dr Suarez spoke about the history of NSVI, while Dr Stein presented the technique of needle-free vasectomy using the MadaJet device. This aroused enormous interest both among the doctors and in the press.

The media paid particular attention to the fact that Dr Robert Kulik from Poland – one of the participants of the mission – came to the site at his own expense in order to support the educational and operational work.

Day 3 – 5 February: Vasectomies in Danao and a visit to Tuburan

The next day of the mission meant intensive work at the hospital in Danao. The facility turned out to be ideal for a large team – bright, spacious, with suitable facilities for teamwork.

This stage of the mission was also an opportunity for an international exchange of surgical techniques. Doctors from different countries shared their experience and improved their operating skills.

After the procedures the team visited the local fishing port and tried regional specialities. This was followed by a get-together dinner organised by Dr Alex Lemkaking, a Filipino-American urologist who has been supporting NSVI for years.

Day 7 – 9 February: Sacred Heart Hospital and a visit to the prison

The final stage of the NSVI 2015 mission took place once again at Sacred Heart Hospital in Cebu, where the team returned to the procedures and continued consultations for patients. The team was joined by Dr Michel Labrecque, a world-renowned authority on vasectomy from Canada, who came specially for the finale of the mission.

One of the exceptional moments of the mission was a visit to the local prison. Thanks to the governor’s consent, the NSVI team was able to offer free vasectomy procedures to the inmates. Interest was enormous – as many as 72 prisoners expressed their wish to take part. One of the reasons was the impossibility of using condoms during conjugal visits, which led to unplanned pregnancies.

Cooperation with the prison staff and contact with the local community was an extremely moving experience for the participants of the mission. The work of NSVI shows that vasectomy can be available everywhere – even in difficult conditions.

The end of the mission – recognition and friendships

The last evening of the mission was an opportunity for a shared dinner, thanks and a celebration of the success. Dr Peter Asnar, dean of the SWU medical school, presented all the participants with official certificates and expressed his appreciation for the team’s work.

The NSVI 2015 mission in the Philippines was not only a medical event – it was also a lesson in commitment, solidarity and acting across borders. We thank everyone who supports NSVI and makes further missions possible.

NSVI is funded by voluntary donations. If you would like to help – find out how to support the organisation’s work.