Vasectomy (Male Sterilization)

Effectiveness: Nearly 100 percent (less than 1 pregnancy per 100 women each year).

What is it? A vasectomy is an out-patient procedure to close or cut the vas deferens (tubes inside the scrotum) to prevent sperm from being released from the man’s body. The man continues to make semen, but it does not contain sperm. The vasectomy is not effective for about 3 months; a doctor will perform a sperm test to determine when the vasectomy can be relied on to prevent pregnancy.

How does it work? It prevents sperm from being released.

STD protection: No; you will still need to use condoms if you are concerned about STDs.

Benefits: It can be an excellent choice with few side effects if you are finished having children or don't plan to have children. In the long-term, it may be one of the least-expensive methods of birth control.

Disadvantages: It is considered permanent. It is surgery and therefore carries some risk and involves a brief recovery period. Short-term tenderness and bruising may occur, but there is little risk of pain or infection. Serious complications are rare, but always talk with your health care provider about risks and benefits.

Availability: Sterilization is done by a health care professional in a medical office, clinic or hospital.

Cost: $350 to $1,000. It may be covered by insurance.*

Notes: Because sterilization is meant to be permanent, there may be state or federal requirements, such as waiting periods or age restrictions. Some doctors may not be willing to sterilize young women with no children.

* The Affordable Care Act requires insurance companies to cover contraceptives with no co-pay, as of August 1, 2012. Not all plans must provide immediate coverage, but as more health plans come under the law's reach, more women will have access to all free FDA-approved forms of contraception. The specifics of how and when insurance companies must comply are still being worked out. For example, insurance companies may be able to charge a co-pay for a brand name drug when a generic is available, and regulations are still being determined for contraceptive methods that involve surgery or other medical procedures. For more information, see What You Need to Know About Birth Control Coverage.