The no-scalpel vasectomy (NSV) program of Davao City, Philippines, saw an 80% increase in procedures over the last 3 years compared to its pre-pandemic annual average, highlighting a growing acceptance of men as family planning users.

Men opting for NSV are showing a more positive attitude toward family planning, seeing it as no longer just a woman’s concern but a shared responsibility.

Addressing cultural barriers, socioeconomic limitations, and health care access issues is necessary to promote inclusivity and participation of men in family planning initiatives.

The success of the Davao City NSV program in training health care workers from other regions highlights the pressing need for a nationally standardized network of training hubs that should focus on skills development, counseling and communication, advocacy and community engagement, and more effective male participation in family planning efforts.

The program demonstrates that informed men become strong advocates within their communities, influencing peers toward positive family planning choices. Program managers should prioritize targeted educational campaigns, informing men about family planning options and their role in shared decision-making with their partners.

Despite global consensus on the importance of male involvement in family planning, disparities persist in low- and middle-income countries, where women continue to bear the responsibility for these initiatives. The Philippines, with a high fertility rate and unmet family planning needs, exemplifies this challenge. We present the experiences and lessons learned from implementing the no-scalpel vasectomy (NSV) program in Davao City, showcasing its potential for increasing male engagement in family planning decisions. Launched in 2008, the program aimed to address gender disparity by promoting NSV as a safe and effective contraceptive alternative to female-centric methods. Through the use of culturally sensitive information campaigns and couple-focused counseling, the program challenged traditional notions of masculinity and encouraged shared decision-making. Strong local government commitment and public-private partnerships played key roles in driving the program’s success. Results showed an average annual increase of 80% in NSV clients over the past 3 years compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring its effectiveness. The program presents a compelling intervention model for similar initiatives, highlighting how overcoming cultural barriers, infrastructure limitations, and budgetary constraints through policy advocacy, strategic partnerships, and tailored approaches can significantly boost male involvement in family planning and improve reproductive health outcomes within communities.

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