Vasectomy Vs. Tubal Ligation

When you have made the decision – as a couple – that you do not want to have anymore children then you both will be in search of birth control that is permanent. This will save you from having to purchase the birth control pill or condoms every month and spending hundreds of dollars every year.

Two of the common types of birth control that couples consider when they are looking for permanent birth control is a vasectomy and tubal ligation. While the vasectomy is a form of male sterilization tubal ligation is for women. During this procedure the woman’s fallopian tubes are severed or sealed to keep her body from being able to fertilize.

Both of these procedures can be effective – but they are both very different from each other and only one needs to be performed. The best way to decide between the two of them is to know what the risks are, how different the procedures are, and what they both cost.

Procedure

One of the first things you should look at when researching both of these procedures is how different they are. When a man has a vasectomy the procedure is performed in the doctor’s office and can take between 10 to 20 minutes. After it is finished they will be sore – but will be able to return home that same day.

Tubal ligation is a complex procedure that must be done inside of the hospital operating room. The patient will be given a strong anesthesia that will knock them out for a few hours while the surgeon opens her up and severs the fallopian tubes. After the procedure you will be in the hospital for a few days while they monitor your recovery. When you get home you are required to take it easy and will need between a few weeks to a whole month to recover.

Risks

There are little to no vasectomy risks involved during this procedure besides mild pain, swelling, and a chance of an infection. When you have tubal ligation the risks are greatly increased. The most common serious risks that can occur include; perforation of intestines, infection, pulmonary embolism, painful menstrual cycles, and pelvic pain.

Cost

The procedures themselves are so drastic that you can only imagine how different the prices will be. For a vasectomy the normal cost can be anywhere between $500 to $1,000. For a tubal ligation it can be anywhere between $2,000 or more. This is because it requires more medicine, stronger anesthesia, hospital stay, and hours in the operating room.