How Effective Are Vasectomies?

Vasectomies are one of the safest and most effective forms of birth control. However, no method of birth control is 100% effective. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the failure rate for vasectomies is about 1 in 2,000:

- Most failures happen soon after a vasectomy, often because the vas deferens (the tube that carries sperm from the testicles to the penis) has not fully sealed. For this reason, doctors usually advise men to use other forms of birth control, such as condoms, for several months after a vasectomy.

- It is also possible for the vas deferens to reconnect after a vasectomy, although this is rare.

If you are considering a vasectomy, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this procedure.