Sterilization: Tubal Ligation & Vasectomy

Surgical Birth Control

When you want permanent birth control that can offer unparalleled convenience and reliability, you may want to consider two surgical ways to achieve this. Vaginally, a tubal ligation (getting your tubes tied), and for the penis, a vasectomy. Both of the procedures are low risk, minimally invasive, and require only local anesthesia. They are both outpatient procedures that allow you to return home the same day.

They also have zero effect on the production of sex hormones and therefore do not affect masculinity or femininity. Both procedures can be reversed if you decide later that you want children and about 50 to 80 percent of reversals result in a successful pregnancy. A vasectomy is a safer and easier procedure as it is less invasive. On the other hand, tubal ligations are more challenging but may be done at the time of childbirth.

Costs

• Since sterilization is not considered preventive healthcare under the Affordable Care Act, federal law does not require health insurance plans to cover vasectomies. They can cost between $0 and $1,000.
  
  
• Many hospitals, clinics, and Planned Parenthood health centers do tubal ligation. You may be able to get a tubal ligation done for free or at a low cost. They can cost between $0 to $6,000: some health insurance plans, Medicaid, and other government programs cover them.

Vasectomy

A vasectomy blocks semen from reaching the penis and the seminal fluid and reabsorbed into the body. Those who undergo vasectomies still produce ejaculate with slightly reduced volume since no sperm are present in the seminal fluid.

Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation seals the fallopian tubes to prevent an egg and sperm from meeting. Those who have tubal ligations continue to have regular sexual desire and function.

For more information about birth control, please see our helpful Birth Control Guide.

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