When a man or woman decides that they do not want to conceive a child, contraception is the best way to still have sex while lowering the risk of pregnancy. Depending on several variables such as age, cost, and permanency, one of the most popular options is sterilization. The procedure for male sterilization is a vasectomy, while the procedure for female sterilization is known as tubal ligation.
According to United Nations data, the popularity of female sterilization has been steadily on the rise, while male sterilization is less common today than it was in the 1990’s. In 2009, female sterilization prevalence reached over 220 millions users globally, while vasectomy prevalence dropped below 30 millions users. Despite the stark contrast between the number of users, when comparing the pros and cons, in many cases vasectomies are the better option.
Vasectomies
With any surgery, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before coming to any decision. While vasectomies have many benefits far greater than other contraceptive methods, there are still risks to keep in mind.
Pros
- One of the cheapest options for contraception
- Nearly 100% effective
- Can be reversed
- Minimally invasive
- Quick recovery period
- No effect on libido or testosterone
- Low risk surgery
- Lasts forever
Cons
- May be considered permanent
- Not immediately effective
- No protection against sexually transmitted diseases
- Expensive to reverse
Permanency is both a pro and con of vasectomies. On the one hand, if you are sure that you never want to conceive another child, a vasectomy is a one time procedure that will make you sterile for life. Another pro is that there is a possibility to get the procedure reversed if you change your mind. The con with all of this is that reversal is not a guarantee. Success rates vary, but there is a chance that if you get a vasectomy, reversal will not be successful. If you want a back-up option, you could always preserve sperm and reproduce through in vitro fertilization at a later date.
Vasectomies are also one of the cheapest options of contraception because it’s a one time procedure. When the cost is averaged over a 10 year period, other popular methods like birth control and condoms are much more expensive on average.
The surgery is quick and minimally invasive. The procedure can be completed in under 30 minutes and the recovery period is typically only a few days. In some cases, men can resume having sex just one week after surgery. Although a con is that it will take several weeks to months before sperm is no longer found in semen, so the procedure is not immediately effective. Another form of contraception should be used until a doctor can complete a sperm test.
Only one in every 1000 vasectomies fail, equating to a .1% failure rate. After the procedure, there may be lingering pain or fluid build-up, although this is not common. Furthermore, vasectomies will not cause permanent damage to sexual organs or increase the risk for particular cancers/disease.
Testosterone is not affected by vasectomies, meaning that they will not cause a decrease in libido or erectile dysfunction (ED). In fact, some men report improved sex lives after their vasectomies. In some cases, there could be depression related to the procedure that could cause complications with erectile dysfunction. Whether the ED is caused by depression or other issues unrelated to the procedure, a doctor may choose to treat erectile dysfunction with prescription medication.
Overall, vasectomies are very successful and low-risk. A doctor or surgeon can speak to more personal issues and questions prior to making a decision.
Tubal Ligation
Just as with vasectomies, it’s important to think over the decision to undergo tubal ligation before committing to surgery. This is especially true if you are considering both options in a relationship, since tubal ligation is more costly and invasive than vasectomies.
Pros
- Nearly 100% effective
- Lasts forever
- Can be reversed
- No effect on hormones
- May decrease risk of ovarian cancer
Cons
- May be considered permanent
- Expensive to reverse
- No protection against sexually transmitted disease
- Some risk involved in surgery
Tubal ligation shares many of the same pros and cons as vasectomies. The pros and cons of permanency and reversal are the same, almost down to the success rates. However, whereas vasectomy reversal success rate largely depends on how much time has passed since the procedure, pregnancy success after tubal ligation reversal is largely dependent on the woman’s age. The reversal procedure is also expensive and may not be covered by insurance.
The procedure itself is also more costly than a vasectomy. When averaged over a ten year period, tubal ligation is actually more expensive than several contraceptive methods, including condoms and birth control shots. However, tubal ligation is much more effective than almost every other method. Just like vasectomies, the failure rate is only .1%. On the other hand, in the rare event that pregnancy does occur, there is a greater risk of ectopic pregnancy.
In terms of the procedure, tubal ligation is more invasive and riskier than vasectomies. While still a relatively low-risk surgery, there is a chance of damage to the bowel/bladder and infection caused by the procedure. Women may also experience ongoing pain, fainting spells, and rash/swelling during the recovery. Recovery typically takes one week, but could last up to three, making it slightly longer than the recovery period for vasectomies.
Luckily, tubal ligation may even lower the risk of ovarian cancer. It also will not have an effect on hormones, meaning that sex life should continue as normal after a full recovery. However, like vasectomies, the procedure does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Appropriate measures should be taken if you are at risk.
Conclusion
For many of the same reasons, vasectomies and tubal ligation are some of the best options for contraception. Both procedures are relatively low risk and have long-term benefits. However, the pros and cons should be weighed with a partner and discussed with a doctor before reaching any decision. In comparison to each other, vasectomies are the cheaper and safer option, if both you and your partner are considering various methods.
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