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In 1996, nearly 7,900 sterilizations were performed in Norway, of which 4,800 were on women and 3,100 on men. This is the second lowest number of sterilizations registered for women and the highest number for men since Statistics Norway began compiling sterilization statistics in 1984.
With few exceptions there has been a general decline in the number of sterilizations of women through the entire period for which statistics exist. The number of procedures increased by 300 from 1995 to 1996, however. After declining strongly in 1987, the number of sterilizations of men has edged upwards over the past nine years. In comparison to 1995, which up until then had the highest registered number, the number of sterilizations rose by 400 in 1996.
For both men and women, the typical sterilization candidate is between 35 and 39 years of age. The sterilization rate is also relatively high in the 40-44 age group. More women than men up to the age of 45 underwent sterilization in 1996, while men outnumbered women in the 45 and up group.
More women than men still undergo sterilization. However, the gap has clearly narrowed over the last 10 years. Before 1990, at least three times as many women as men were sterilized annually. In 1996 the ratio dropped to 1.5.
Weekly Bulletin issue no. 27, 1997