Among the various methods of contraception, the safe, simple vasectomy procedure provides a sterilization that is both permanent and a highly effective
birth control
.
A vasectomy failure rate is as low as .02% -- meaning that its success rate is over 99% effective.
In comparison to other contraceptive methods, the low failure rate of vasectomy makes it a popular permanent choice. Take the time to discuss these options with your vasectomy doctor advisor who is an expert and who can advise you as you make an informed decision.
|
METHOD
|
USED BY
|
TYPE
|
Dr./ Rx?
|
SIDE
EFFECTS
|
ACTUAL FAILURE
RATE
*
|
USEFUL DURATION
|
REVERSE?
|
|
ABSTINENCE
|
Both M & F
|
Natural
|
No
|
No
|
0.0%
|
BRIEF
|
Yes
|
|
CONDOM
|
Male
|
Barrier
|
No
|
No
|
1 - 33%
|
BRIEF
|
Yes
|
|
DIAPHRAGM
|
Female
|
Barrier
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
1 - 21%
|
BRIEF
|
Yes
|
|
HORMONE IMPLANT
|
Female
|
Hormonal
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
0.2%
|
LONG-TERM
|
Yes
|
|
HORMONE INJECTION
|
Female
|
Hormonal
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
0.4%
|
LONG-TERM
|
Yes
|
|
IUD
|
Female
|
Intrauterine
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
0.5 - 5%
|
LONG-TERM
|
Yes
|
|
NO METHOD
|
Both M & F
|
n/a
|
No
|
No
|
over 85%
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
|
ORAL
- 'THE
PILL
'
|
Female
|
Hormonal
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
0.16 - 3%
|
BRIEF
|
Yes
|
|
RHYTHM METHOD
|
Both M & F
|
Natural
|
No
|
No
|
14 - 47%
|
BRIEF
|
Yes
|
|
SPERMICIDES
|
Female
|
Barrier
|
No
|
No
|
13 - 28%
|
BRIEF
|
Yes
|
|
TUBAL LIGATION
|
Female
|
Surgical
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
0.2 - 0.4%
|
PERMANENT
|
Maybe
|
|
VAGINAL POUCH
|
Female
|
Barrier
|
No
|
No
|
28%
|
BRIEF
|
Yes
|
|
VASECTOMY
|
Male
|
Surgical
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
0.02 - 0.2%
|
PERMANENT
|
Maybe
|
|
WITHDRAWAL
|
Male
|
Natural
|
No
|
No
|
19%
|
BRIEF
|
Yes
|
*ACTUAL FAILURE RATE signifies rate when method is used routinely over a one-year period.
Adapted from: 1. Trussell J, Hatcher RA, Cates W, Stewart FH, Kost K. A Guide to Interpreting Contraceptive Efficacy Studies. Obstetrics and Gynecology 1990; 76:558-67. 2. Mishell DR, Jr. Contraception. New England Journal of Medicine 1989; 320: 777-787.
It is important to find a doctor, who is likely to be a specialist in vasectomies, and discuss these various options, as well as vasectomy risks, side effects and possible complications of a vasectomy.
Vasectomy Procedure Techniques
Success rates or effectiveness of the vasectomy procedure are not a matter of the doctor’s method. A vasectomy doctor may use any of several common techniques that achieve the same results – to produce infertility by blocking the transport of sperm through the vas deferens.
Ask your physician to describe the ‘traditional’ and the “No-Scalpel Vasectomy” techniques. Both methods are equally effective. In addition, there is a further modification called a “No-Needle Vasectomy.” This allows the doctor to avoid using any needle for applying the anesthesia by using a special jet injector. This is new for many doctors and you may not yet find it commonly available.
While it may be possible to get a vasectomy reversal, it is best to consider the procedure as permanent birth control that may not be able to be reversed even with micro-surgery. (See vasectomy reversal information link in column on the left.)
For more information about vasectomies or to use an online FIND A DOCTOR directory, CLICK HERE.
