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Vasectomy vs. Other Contraception & Pregnancy Prevention Options
Vasectomy is a safe, simple and effective birth control method.
A vasectomy, which is highly effective, should be considered permanent. Other forms of contraception present alternatives and options for the couple to consider, with various levels of protection, convenience and permanence.
A significant number of couples who have experienced a failure of their previous contraceptive method consider vasectomy as a permanent solution. A vasectomy is more reliable and less troublesome than most other methods, but convenience should not be the sole reason for considering the procedure.
In considering the various pregnancy prevention techniques, it may be helpful to remember that...
- A vasectomy and many other contraceptive methods do not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
- Contraceptive methods must be used correctly and consistently in order to provide the greatest effectiveness and avoid contraception complications.
- Educate yourself using the various contraception resources and pregnancy prevention resources available on our website, as well as consult with your physician and follow professional recommendations.
- For prescription and nonprescription contraceptive methods, read and follow the package directions and instructions carefully; observe expiration dates; and use with every sexual encounter.
Pregnancy prevention methods used by BOTH partners:
Abstinence – he man and the woman may mutually decide to not have sexual intercourse. Conception is not possible during a period of complete abstinence. While this is extremely effective in avoiding pregnancy, most couples will not find it desirable for any extended period of time.
Rhythm Method – this natural or "fertility awareness" method requires that couples abstain from sexual intercourse for five to 15 days per month in an effort to avoid the most fertile days in the woman’s menstrual cycle. This is not a precise pregnancy prevention system, and there is a risk of pregnancy if the couple is not accurate in judging the "safe" and "unsafe" times.
No Method – couples who do not use any of the various contraception methods available today are at the highest risk of unintended pregnancy.
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Various Contraception methods used by the MALE partner:
Condom – a thin, formfitting sheath worn over the man’s erect penis to block sperm. Usually made of latex rubber, but also available in polyurethane and natural membrane, condoms can be one of the more highly effective pregnancy prevention products available, if used properly. Protection is further increased when used with a spermicidal contraceptive such as foam, cream or jellies. There is a risk of a condom tearing, breaking, slipping or leaking, any of which can lead to conception. Couples sometimes forget to stop their activities to put on a condom.
Withdrawal – this is when the man attempts to withdrawal from intercourse before ejaculation. Because sperm may be transmitted to the female before ejaculation, or because the man may not withdraw in time, this is considered one of the more risky and unreliable pregnancy prevention techniques.
Vasectomy – surgical sterilization for men, usually performed with local anesthetic during an office visit. The procedure is safe, highly effective and should be considered permanent. Permits the man to be responsible for contraception. Learn more about vasectomy procedures.
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Pregnancy prevention methods used by the FEMALE partner:
Cervical Cap – one of several pregnancy prevention products available for females, a cervical cap is a dome-shaped latex barrier device that fits over the cervix and blocks passage of sperm into the uterus. Similar to a diaphragm, it is commonly used with a spermicide.
Diaphragm – a shallow rubber cap, used with a contraceptive jelly, which the woman places in her vagina to cover the womb opening. This blocks and kills sperm to prevent conception. Usually effective when used correctly.
Hormone Implant (Norplant® ) – a long-term contraceptive system whereby small pellets are surgically inserted beneath the skin of a woman’s upper arm. A progesterone-like hormone (levonorgestrel) is released gradually over time. The hormone blocks ovulation and results in an effective method of contraception during a five-year period. (See NOTE below.*)
Hormone Injection (Depo-Provera®) – a progesterone injection administered every 12 weeks, which is highly effective, provided the woman is consistent and timely about subsequent injections. The hormone blocks ovulation. Many women stop the injections within the first year due to side effects or contraception complications such as weight gain, pregnancy symptoms, abnormal or absence of periods, depression and nervousness. (See NOTE below.*)
* NOTE regarding hormone-based methods. These methods can produce significant side effects, and some women are not appropriate candidates. Consult your physician. Estrogen-based and progesterone-based contraceptives have different effects. Some women may benefit from one type and not another.
Intrauterine Device (IUD) – a small plastic device (T-shaped, about the size of a quarter) that is placed in the uterus. Creates an imperceptible, low-grade inflammation that inhibits sperm and effectively prevents fertilized egg from being implanted in the uterus. Normally replaced every four years. May pose risk of infection.
Oral Contraceptive ("the pill") –
taken by mouth, the pill is an estrogen tablet that can provide a high success rate when taken as directed. May pose slight increase in risk of stroke in some women. Effective rate is high, but only when taken consistently.
Another form of oral contraceptive is a progestin-only pill, sometimes called the "mini-pill." This contains a lower dose of progestin than combined oral contraceptives (COC) and contains no estrogen. Must be taken at the same time daily. Often prescribed during period of breast feeding. (See NOTE above.*)
Spermicides - chemical contraceptives, such as foam, cream or jellies, which effectively kill sperm on contact in the vagina. These pregnancy prevention products are often used alone, but provide greater protection when used in combination with condom, diaphragm or other methods. Generally safe, with few side effects or contraception complications.
Tubal Ligation – surgical sterilization for women, performed under general anesthesia, which involves surgically tying, cutting or cauterizing the fallopian tubes in order to permanently block egg passage from the ovaries to the uterus. Tubal ligation generally requires a more significant surgery, general anesthetic, greater risks, expense and recovery time than does a vasectomy for the male. Effective, but should be considered permanent.
Vaginal Pouch – a barrier device, referred to as a "female condom," made of lubricated polyurethane, which fits inside the vagina to block sperm from reaching the uterus. Wider than a male condom, but about the same length.
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In Summary:
- Consult with your doctor or a qualified health care professional in learning about the different kinds of contraception options and methods.
- A range of protection, convenience and permanence is found in the alternative forms of contraception.
- Some methods can be used by both partners, the male partner alone or the female partner alone.
- Effective contraception is not the same as effective protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
- The degree of success or effectiveness for most methods depends greatly on the proper and consistent use of the method of choice.
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