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SYDNEY - Men are being encouraged to give their partners something more permanent this Valentine's Day -- by getting a vasectomy.
Not-for-profit health organisation Marie Stopes International is using the day of love to promote the procedure, saying it is safe, effective and appreciated.
"A vasectomy is perhaps not as romantic as chocolate and roses, but not having to worry about contraception is a present many woman would appreciate," Australian chief executive Suzanne Dvorak said.
She said research had shown that men are afraid to undergo the procedure because they fear it will hurt, affect their sexual performance and their testosterone levels.
"The truth is, that having a vasectomy is a relatively pain-free procedure, and won't effect your sex life or performance," Ms Dvorak said.
It would also solve the last minute Valentine's Day present dilemma, she said.
- AAP