Effectiveness of a Vasectomy

Years ago, contraceptive methods of birth control rested mostly on the shoulders of women. Today, couples are sharing this responsibility. More than 500,000 men have a vasectomy each year in the United States. This procedure is highly effective and is a permanent male birth control technique. It is reliable and cost effective with nationwide prices ranging from $350 to $1,000, as of July 2009. Medicaid covers vasectomy procedures, and private health insurance will cover most of the cost.

Definition

• A vasectomy is a safe, effective contraceptive procedure for to men to prevent pregnancy. The goal of a vasectomy procedure is to permanently prevent sperms from leaving the vas deferens (or the sperm ducts) during ejaculation; instead the sperm are reabsorbed into the body and have no chance of reaching the female eggs for fertilization. A vasectomy will not interfere with a male's sexual ability.

Effectiveness

• According to Plannedparenthood.org, "vasectomy is the most effective birth control for men. It is nearly 100 percent effective." According to Ringsurf.com, "vasectomy is among the most reliable and cost-effective method of permanent male birth control." Ten to 15 percent of couples are now using vasectomy as their method of birth control. In some European countries, vasectomies have jumped ahead of oral contraceptives as the method of choice in preventing pregnancy.

Sterility

• Sterility does not occur immediately following a vasectomy. Sterility must be assured before having unprotected intercourse. The patient must return to his physician for one or more sperm analysis. A minimum of 20 ejaculations must happen before the first sperm analysis is taken. A second analysis showing no sperms should be done before beginning unprotected intercourse. Couples should use an alternative method of birth control until this is achieved.

  A vasectomy is considered 100 percent effective. However, it can be reversed by a physician with difficulty, and the sucess rate is only 60 percent.

Benefits

• According to Plannedparenthood.org, couples with a male partner who have had a vasectomy tend to experience a certain freedom. These couples are more relaxed and open to the enjoyment of sex, which seems to improve their intimacy and sexuality.

A New Method to Male Birth Control

• There is a new method to male birth control called Vasclip. It works under the same principle as a vasectomy in that it prevents ejaculation of the sperm and avoids pregnancy. In this method the vas deferens or sperm ducts are clamped. This procedure is considered safer because the vas deferens are not cut, sutured or cauterized which reduces any untoward injuries. It is also makes it easier for a man to have a reversal procedure.

Considerations

• Couples pursing vasectomy as a method of contraceptive must consider that it is effective and permanent. Thorough discussion regarding the decision is important because the successful reversal of a vasectomy is not guaranteed. According to Ringsurg.com, "with some difficulty it is possible to reconstruct the vas deferens and restore sperm flow." Consult your health care provider for advice and check for local state and federal regulations about age restrictions and waiting period.