A plastic surgeon in Taiwan has gone viral after performing a vasectomy on himself, calling it a “gift” to his wife.
Dr. Chen Weinong, based in Taipei, typically specialises in cosmetic procedures like eyelid, nose, and breast surgeries. But earlier this year, he made headlines for a very different kind of operation—on himself.
On January 9, Chen posted a video of the self-performed vasectomy on social media. The clip, in which he detailed each step of the procedure, quickly gained over 4 million views.
Chen, a father of three, said he made the decision because he and his wife were getting older and didn’t plan to have more children. Confident in his surgical skills, he performed the operation himself.
“Female sterilisation is more complicated, but male vasectomy is simpler,” he explained in the video. You just locate the duct that carries sperm and tie it off.
The video walks viewers through 11 steps, from locating the sperm duct to anaesthetising the area, cutting, tying, and suturing. Sitting cross-legged during the procedure, Chen even shared his real-time reactions.
At one point, he winced and said, “Oh, this is super sore!” Later, while stitching the wound, he added, “This feels so weird.”
While most vasectomies take about 15 minutes, Chen’s solo effort lasted over an hour. “I am exhausted,” he said afterward. He also admitted the first night was painful, but he felt better by morning.
Despite his confidence, some viewers questioned whether a plastic surgeon was qualified to perform a vasectomy. Chen responded that he holds a surgical license and ensured proper medical oversight.
He said the procedure was done legally, with a nurse and three other doctors present, including a supervising urologist.
“The operation was self-funded and carried out in an authorised medical facility,” he added.
Taipei’s Health Department later confirmed Chen’s qualifications, stating that there were no legal violations. According to local officials, it’s not uncommon for male doctors to conduct their own vasectomies.
Still, Chen warned others not to follow his example.
“Doing this at home is very dangerous,” he said. “I strongly advise people to see a professional urologist.”
Online, reactions were mixed. Some praised his decision as thoughtful and responsible. One comment read, “You are very considerate. Recovery for men is much easier than for women.”
Others warned about copycat risks. “Please consult a professional,” one user said. “The surgery is affordable and quick.”
In Taiwan, vasectomy procedures usually cost between 18,000 and 25,000 TWD (US$550–$750) and allow patients to return home the same day.
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