STERILIZATION
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-effects
no
need for partner compliance
privacy
of choice
|
| Risks |
permanent
regret about decision high among some people
involves
abdominal surgery with associated surgical risks
expensive
If
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 risks
regret
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 |
|
