CORK is at the forefront of Ireland’s growing conversation on family planning equality, according to new research.

The county ranks sixth in terms of showing an interest in vasectomy procedures, a study which analysed Google Trends data from 2020 to 2025 reveals.

Limerick city tops the list followed by Lucan in Dublin, Navan in Co Meath, Drogheda, Co Louth and Letterkenny in Donegal, with Cork sixth.

The survey figures from Precision Vasectomy highlight an increased interest in male birth control, showing a shift in attitudes towards male contraception across the country.

Dr Colin Irwin, founder of Precision Vasectomy and a Cork-based specialist in no-scalpel vasectomy, says progress in attitudes must now be matched by fairness in access.

While women aged 17 to 35 could access free contraceptive methods such as the pill, coil and implant, vasectomy was yet to receive public funding.

Dr Irwin said: ‘Vasectomy is a safe, simple, and permanent method of contraception that gives men a responsible role in family planning. Yet men still face an out-of-pocket cost while female contraception is free. It’s time we bring balance and fairness to reproductive healthcare.’

Dr Irwin added: ‘World Vasectomy Day is an opportunity to start an honest conversation about shared responsibility. Family planning should be accessible and affordable for everyone regardless of gender.’

World Vasectomy Day is on Friday November 21st.

For more information visit https://wvd.org.