History / How it works:
These methods are essentially permanent and should be considered irreversible. If you might, at any time in the future, desire to have children this is not the method for you. (That said, sterilization reversal procedures are performed with fair to good success rates for those who have later changed their minds.)These techniques require invasive procedures to complete. Both operations (tubal ligation for women, vasectomy for men) are surgeries and carry risks associated with surgery (infection, bleeding, other surgical and anestesia complications).
Summary of tubal ligation (female sterilization)
| Effectiveness (Failure Rate) |
99.5% effective |
| Benefits |
permanent
effective method
nothing to buy or remember
no long term side-effectsno need for partner compliance
privacy of choice
|
| Risks |
permanent regret about decision high among some people
involves abdominal surgery with associated surgical risks
expensiveIf method fails, ectopic pregnancy often results (pregnancy outside of uterus which is dangerous and can be fatal if not recognized and terminated in time)
no STD protection |
| STD Protection |
Absolutely none. |
| How to Get It |
Surgical procedure usually preformed by OB/GYN or General Surgeon |
| Cost |
$1200-$2500, depending on insurance coverage |
|
Summary of vasectomy (male sterilization)
| Effectiveness (Failure Rate) |
99.85% TO 99.95% effective |
| Benefits |
permanent and highly effective
inexpensive & cost-effective removes contraceptive burden from woman
usually has lack of significant long term side effects
quick recovery (procedure done under local anesthesia)nothing to buy or remember
|
| Risks |
surgical procedure with potential risksregret for decision high in some people no STD protection |
| STD Protection |
Absolutely none. |
| How to Get It |
Surgical procedure usually preformed by Urologist, Family Physician, or General Surgeon |
| Cost |
$200-$1000, depending on insurance coverage |
|
