Family planning and deciding the number children you will parent is a very personal decision. This decision should be thought out well with your partner. Although tubal ligation for women, and vasectomy for men can sometimes be reversed, the reversal surgery is more complicated than the original procedure and may or may not be successful. So if you’re considering sterilization, you should be sure and confident that this is the right decision for you.
Female sterilization works by preventing the passage of eggs through the Fallopian tubes. This procedure is called a tubal ligation. This surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, and the woman usually will not overnight in a hospital. A tubal ligation usually will not cause any changes in a woman’s sexual desire, menstrual cycle, or breastfeeding ability. Tubal ligation involves all of the risks of surgery. A full recovery is usually expected within 7-10 days at most.
Male sterilization is called a Vasectomy. This works by preventing the passage of sperm through the vas deferens (tubes that carry sperm). This procedure is usually performed in an office setting using local anesthesia. A vasectomy usually does not cause any changes in a man’s sex drive or masculinity. Vasectomy is a very quick procedure (less than 30 minutes), with very few risks. A full recovery is usually expected within 1-2 days.
There is also a vast difference in the cost of permanent sterilization for men and women. The cost for a tubal ligation is $5,000-8,500 while the cost for a vasectomy is $800-1,500.