Vasectomy Alternatives
Temporary and Long-Term Birth Control Alternatives to a Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a method of birth control that should be considered carefully. Before you move forward with this surgery, it is important to review vasectomy alternatives and understand the risks and benefits of each. If you have any doubts about having children in the future, you should always explore your other birth control options.
Below are some vasectomy alternatives that offer long-term sterilization for the female partner:
Tubal ligation is a procedure used for female sterilization. The fallopian tubes are closed off by various methods (severed, sealed or pinched) to block the eggs from reaching the uterus. For most couples debating between tubal ligation or a vasectomy, a vasectomy is the best option. View the chart below to compare tubal ligation surgery to a vasectomy procedure:
| Vasectomy | Tubal Ligation | |
| Procedure Time | 10 minutes physicians office | 1 Day Hospital |
| Procedure | Considered a minor procedure | Considered a major surgery |
| Anesthesia | Local | General anesthesia |
| Recovery | No heavy lifting for the following 48 hours |
No physical activity for 1 week |
| Complications | Rare, light swelling | Slight risk of bleeding and infection |
| Failure Rate | 1% | 2% |
| Long Term Health Risks | None | Pelvic pain, post tubal ligation syndrome, high risk of hysterectomy, mortality is 4 in 100,000 |
| Cost | Covered under most health plans, $995 for consultation and surgery if out-of-pocket | Hospital costs, anesthesia, etc. $1,000 – $ 5,000 |
Essure is a permanent method of birth control where small metal coils are placed in the fallopian tubes. The coils cause scar tissue to form which blocks the eggs from reaching the uterus. The coils are inserted vaginally during a hysteroscopy procedure. Unlike tubal ligation, there are no incisions or anesthesia used. Birth control is needed for several months after the procedure until the scar tissue has completely formed.
If there is a possibility that you might want more children in the future, please consider temporary forms of birth control. Below are a variety of options for the male partner, female partner and both partners:
Condoms
The condom is a barrier contraceptive that is approximately 85% effective at preventing pregnancy. Condoms are placed on the penis to create a physical barrier and stop the sperm from entering a female’s body.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal, also called the 'pull out method,' is when the male removes his penis from his partner before ejaculation. If this method is used perfectly, it is 96% effective. If it is not used perfectly every time, then it is only 73% effective.
Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills prevent pregnancy by using hormones to stop ovulation, the release of a female’s eggs to the fallopian tubes. Pills are taken daily, and when used correctly, prevent pregnancy 99 out of 100 times. This method of birth control requires the female partner to remember to take one pill each day.
Cervical Cap
A cervical cap is a silicone cup that prevents pregnancy for up to two years. The cup is placed in the vagina, blocking the uterus opening so that sperm cannot reach the eggs. Spermicide should be used with the cervical cap. When used correctly, a cervical cap prevents pregnancy 86% of the time.
Diaphragm
A diaphragm is a shallow latex cup placed in the vagina to prevent pregnancy. It can last for up to two years and must be used with spermicide. The diaphragm prevents pregnancy by blocking the uterus opening while the spermicide stops the sperm from moving. When used correctly, a diaphragm prevents pregnancy 94% of the time.
Female Condom
A female condom is a pouch that is placed in the vagina. When used correctly it prevents pregnancy 95% of the time.
Abstinence
Another form of birth control is abstinence. This is when both partners agree not to have intercourse. While this method is 100% effective, most couples view this as a temporary solution and will not be happy with this method in the long-term.
Rhythm Method
The rhythm method is when couples track their fertility cycle and avoid having intercourse around ovulation. There is great deal of time and effort put into tracking the woman's cycle. Cycles are not always predictable and an 'off' cycle increases the risk of becoming pregnant.
