Ranchi: Couples in Ranchi continue to prefer temporary contraceptive methods over sterilisation, with health officials linking the trend to changes in family planning choices and concerns around permanent methods.In 2025-26, no-scalpel vasectomy, a male sterilisation procedure, remained the least preferred method in Ranchi district, with only 68 procedures conducted against an annual target of 671 (10%). Tubectomy saw 4,880 procedures against a target of 13,415 (36%).“In contrast, spacing methods have comparatively higher acceptance. Antara, an injectable contraceptive administered once every three months, recorded 8,953 beneficiaries against a target of 34,380 (26%). Similarly, post-partum intrauterine contraceptive device (PPIUCD) insertions stood at 15,380 against a target of 69,117 (22%), while IUCD insertions reached 3,265 against the target of 20,122 (16%),” Ranchi civil surgeon Dr Prabhat Kumar said on the eve of World Population Day on Friday.He said the figures reflect a gradual shift among young couples.“Couples are increasingly opting for spacing and barrier methods such as condoms and contraceptive pills rather than permanent sterilisation. In Ranchi, temporary methods are gaining popularity among couples. Temporary contraceptives allow families to plan pregnancies while retaining the option of having children later,” he said.He said societal beliefs and misconceptions about male sterilisation deter men from opting for vasectomy.Despite low uptake of permanent methods, officials said the district’s population growth remained stable, estimated at around 35 lakh. Ranchi recorded a population of 29 lakh in the 2011 Census.The health department will launch a 15-day family planning awareness campaign from Monday.“A state-level campaign will start on Saturday on the occasion of World Population Day. The campaign will focus on counselling eligible couples on the full range of contraceptive options, including spacing methods, permanent sterilisation, postpartum family planning and male participation,” Kumar said.
