Considering a vasectomy? Wondering how much it costs and how it compares to other forms of birth control? We’ve done the math for you!
For these calculations, we assumed:
- Men get vasectomies at age 38 and live another 41 years until they die at 79.
- The majority of people who get vasectomies are married.
- Married people have sex an average of 51 times per year.
We will use these assumptions to calculate the lifetime cost of different types of birth control.
Tubal ligation $6,000
Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure that blocks or closes the fallopian tubes. It’s an invasive, in-hospital surgery. General anesthesia is used, and the procedure takes two to three hours. It may require an overnight hospital stay.
Tubal ligation has a 0.5% failure rate, which can result in an ectopic pregnancy. This can cause a health risk and an unsuccessful, painful pregnancy.
Birth control pills $24,600 (41 years x 12 months x $50 per month)
Over a lifetime, birth control pills are expensive! They’re 91% effective, but they need to be taken every day at the same time. This fully puts the responsibility of birth control on women. Birth control pills contain hormones that stop ovulation. These hormones can cause negative side effects, like nausea or headaches.
IUD $5,200 (41 years / 12 years x $1,300 per IUD)
An IUD, or intrauterine device) is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It can last up to 12 years, which makes it long term, reversible birth control. IUDs are also 99% effective.
An IUD costs up to $1,300, and an IUD lasts up to 12 years (depending on type). Over 41 years, an IUD would need to be replaced four times. The cost of the four IUDs doesn’t take into account lost wages due to time off work, as insertion and removal of an IUD is performed in a healthcare provider’s office. Insertion or removal may be painful and require time off work for recovery.
Condoms $4,182 (41 years x 51 times per year x $2 per condom)
Condoms are 85% effective and need to be used every time. You’ll have to stop the action to find and put a condom on. If you don’t use a condom every time, you’ll be risking an unplanned pregnancy.
Vasectomy $1,550 (or less!)
In the long run, vasectomy is the least expensive form of contraception. Without insurance, a vasectomy costs $1,550. This includes the assessment appointment, the vasectomy, and the follow-up semen check. Good news: Most vasectomies are covered by health insurance. The out of pocket cost could actually be much less, especially if you’ve already reached your deductible.
It’s also an in-office procedure. A local anesthesia is used, and the procedure takes about 30 minutes. After a vasectomy, patients can return home to rest, which is advised for the next two days. After a week, they can return to regular physical activity.
If your family is complete and you’re looking for a permanent, cost-effective method of birth control, call to schedule a vasectomy consultation today.