Brief Answer:
Vasectomies are cheaper, faster, and safer than tubal ligation.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Good questions - it's a good idea to compare these procedures.

Tubal ligation ranges from $2000 to $8000 (there is a wide range in price between various locations around the country) and your insurance may pay for at least some of this cost.

Vasectomy costs range from around $300 to $3500. In general, vasectomy is much less expensive because it is much less involved of a procedure, with lower risks. As with tubal ligation, many insurance companies will pay for some of the cost.

Aside from a large cost difference between the two procedures, here are some pros and cons to consider:

Tubal ligation

- is usually done laparoscopically, but still requires anesthesia. As a result, there are rare potential risks from anesthesia.
-rare risk of perforation of intestines.
-rare risk of pulmonary embolism.
- failure rate of the procedure is 0.25% - 0.5%.
- requires hospitalization
- is a lengthier procedure than a vasectomy
- has more risks of complications because of going through more layers of the body.
- there can be more pain with a tubal ligation than a vasectomy, during recovery, as vasectomy involves less tissue damage, and is a more superficial procedure than tubal ligation.

Vasectomy

- usually is an out patient procedure, not requiring a hospital stay.
- local anesthesia is used, so significantly lower risk of complications.
- procedure is fairly quick and usually takes less than half an hour.
- recovery time is much quicker with return to work in 1-2 days, and return to physical activity within a week.
- a back up method of contraception needs to be used for up to 3 months after the procedure.
- 20 ejaculations are necessary to ensure that no sperm are left. (and this is confirmed during a follow up appointment with a sperm count check.
- vasectomies are more (intentionally) reversible (approx. 70-90% success rate for reversal). However, reversal procedures do have risks.
- there is usually swelling and pain afterwards, but it responds rapidly to ice, rest, and non-narcotic pain medications.

So - vasectomies are less expensive and safer, and the recovery is usually easier.

I hope this information helps.

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