They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and the same could be true of vasectomies. (Can you imagine Marilyn Monroe singing that?!) For many women, a vasectomy is a game-changer that provides worry-free contraception without the stress, side effects, and potential complications of other forms of birth control. Here are five reasons why women love men who get vasectomies:
The chance of an unintended pregnancy is close to 0.
Vasectomies top the list of reliable methods of birth control. They are 99.85% effective at preventing pregnancy. Among other forms of contraception, only IUDs, tubal ligation, and implants come close. The failure rate of vasectomy contraception is only 0.15%, compared to the pill (9%) condoms (18%), and withdrawal (22%). Of course, only abstinence is 100% effective, but 99.85% is pretty darn close.
Vasectomies save money
Over time, a vasectomy is way cheaper than other forms of birth control. Most providers will charge a one-time cost for a vasectomy (around $1550, often covered by insurance), compared to $6,000 and up for a tubal ligation, which is the equivalent sterilization procedure for women (more commonly known as getting your “tubes tied”).
Meanwhile, birth control pills can cost up to $50 per month, which comes out to $600 per year, for as long as they need to be taken. As an added bonus, vasectomies are often covered by insurance. So if you are covered, your vasectomy could cost you a grand total of nothing. You’ll have more money to spend on that vacation, car, Costco shopping spree, or whatever else your hearts desire.
No negative side effects of contraception
Many common female birth control methods—including the pill and some IUDs—work by increasing hormone levels to block ovulation or prevent implantation of a fertilized egg. But hormonal birth control is notorious for causing negative side effects, including cramps, spotting, headache, mood swings, weight gain, and depression.
These side effects can range from mild to severe and can seriously impact a woman’s quality of life. A vasectomy allows women to avoid these side effects altogether.
Lower risk of developing serious health complications
Hormonal birth control not only causes negative side effects—but it also increases the chance of developing certain forms of cancer. This includes breast cancer and cervical cancer, as well as potentially life-threatening blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. The risk increases with age, and is compounded if you’re a smoker.
Tubal ligation can also cause serious health complications, including infection, chronic abdominal pain, and damage to the bowel, bladder, or blood vessels. The risk of a woman developing any of these complications from a vasectomy? Nada. Zip. Zero. Zilch. And complications for men who undergo the procedure are rare – much more rare than complications from tubal ligation.
Women will stay in “the mood”
No more fumbling for a condom*, “pulling out,” or interrupting the action to apply a spermicide. A vasectomy is a consistent and effective method of birth control that you won’t even have to think about. Snip it and forget it! (*Note: A vasectomy will not prevent sexually transmitted diseases)
Vasectomies are an increasingly popular method of birth control, and for good reason—they’re safe and effective, and spare women the negative side effects of other types of contraception. Next time you and your partner explore birth control options, consider giving her the gift of a vasectomy. (You can even bake a cake to celebrate!)
Read more about getting a vasectomy.