Vasectomy vs Hysterectomy as Birth Control

If you and your partner have decided that you’re done with teething and colic and potty training, not to mention the angst of the teenage years, you’ve probably considered a permanent form of birth control. That’s either a vasectomy for men, or a hysterectomy for women. 

Vasectomy vs Hysterectomy: Pros and Cons

Let’s dig into the pros and cons of each — cost, effectiveness, and side effects. 

A hysterectomy is a major surgery where a surgeon removes all or part of the uterus. It’s considered major surgery that may require an overnight hospital stay and a recovery that can last several months. As the reproductive organs are removed, it is irreversible.

For some women, a hysterectomy has significant health benefits. If a woman is at high risk for reproductive cancer or suffers from heavy, painful, or irregular periods. Ob-gyns do not recommend a hysterectomy as a form of birth control. 

Tubal ligation is a preferred option, which involves sealing off a woman’s fallopian tubes.  A  vasectomy is similar to a tubal in that transportation tubes are sealed off in both procedures.  Vasectomies are still a less invasive procedure than a tubal ligation.  Vasectomy is an outpatient surgery with local anesthesia and takes a couple of hours. 

Cost Difference

Most insurers in the US cover vasectomies and hysterectomies.

Medicare does not cover vasectomies, but some Medicaid plans do. If you’re paying out of pocket, a vasectomy costs about $300 on the low end, to $1000. Check with your insurance carrier to find out the coverage limits. 

Medicaid covers hysterectomy for health reasons, but not as a form of birth control. Medicare isn’t relevant as women can’t qualify until they’re 65. Private insurance covers hysterectomies per the plan specifics. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) also covers hysterectomies. Uninsured costs vary between $5,000 and $12,000, depending on the exact procedure. 

Risks

A hysterectomy is major surgery with all the risks along with the possibility of infection, bladder or bowel damage, and blood clots. Once a woman has a hysterectomy, obviously she can no longer have children.

Comparatively speaking, a vasectomy is practically risk-free. Bleeding and infection are the only real risks, although the area is painful for a few days. It’s a minimally invasive outpatient procedure with a local anesthetic. A vasectomy is technically permanent, but in some cases, the procedure can be reversed. 

Recovery Time

First of all, every man is different and so the recovery period varies. The general rule of thumb is a week post-procedure, but some men prefer to wait a few more days. If sex is painful, hang in there for a little while longer before you try again.

Yes, you can resume your sex life a week or so after the surgery. However, pregnancy is still a risk. Your body needs at least two months for your semen to be free of any sperm. After eight weeks or so, your doctor tests the semen for sperm activity. If there are any left, they’ll test until you are completely sperm-free. 

See the Vasectomy King at Upstate Urology 

Any decision to permanently alter your ability to have children is serious and requires serious consideration.  At Upstate Urology, we help men in Upstate South Carolina and Southwestern North Carolina make the decision to snip. We understand that choosing to end the possibility of a family is an overwhelming decision and guide you through with compassionate understanding. Before we get out the scissors, we explore all fertility options and take a realistic look at your future.  Contact us to make an appointment. If you’re really ready, we can schedule same-day procedures.