Comparing the Vasectomy with Other Birth Control Methods
Those grappling with the decision regarding having a vasectomy or not, should investigate the information about all forms of birth control and take note of benefits, side effects, failure rates, the type and which of the partners use the method before deciding on a permanent method such as the vasectomy. There are many reasons for having a vasectomy performed and the reason may have a lot to do with how you look at the benefits and negatives of each of the birth control methods.
Having all the information before you when making your decision about a vasectomy choice is a smart thing to do. Use the following information to start a conversation with your medical professional and your sexual partner.
The commonly used methods of birth control include abstinence, the condom, a diaphragm, the oral “pill”, the rhythm method, spermicidal, hormone implants, hormone injections, the IUD, a vaginal pouch, the withdrawal method and the two permanent birth control options a tubal ligation and the vasectomy.
The method of birth control called, “abstinence” can be used by both males and females, is a natural method, has a 0% failure rate because it involves not having sexual intercourse and is a method that can be reversed or changed.
Using a condom as the male uses your birth control method is a barrier type of birth control, has no side effects and a failure rate of up to 33%. This method should be used each and every time you have sexual activity unless you switch to another method. The condom is the only known birth control method that protects both sexual partners against sexually transmitted diseases.
A diaphragm is used by the female sexual partner is a barrier method of birth control, has side effects, and has up to a 21% failure rate. The diaphragm must have a doctor’s prescription to be selected as your birth control method.
The hormonal implant and injection choices are both used by the female, both require a doctor’s prescription, both have side effects and the implant has a 0.2% failure rate and the injection has a 0.4% failure rate. Both of these birth control methods are long term and they both can be reversed.
The IUD (intrauterine devise) is used by the female, needs to have a doctor’s prescription, and has side effects. The IUD has from a 0.5% to a 5% failure rate and is a long-term birth control method that can be reversed.
The oral “pill” is a birth control method used by the female, uses hormones, needs to have a doctor’s prescription, has side effects, and has a failure range of between 0.16% and 3%. This method can be reversed but it should be noted that it may take the female body from a month to a few months to become regulated again regarding ovulation cycle should the woman desire to become pregnant after using this method of birth control.
The rhythm method is used by both the female and the male, is a natural birth control method has a failure rate of 14% and up to as high as 47% depending on how informed about the method and how disciplined both partners are regarding using the method.
Spermicidal are used by the female and are a barrier method of birth control. They do not need a doctor’s prescription as they are over-the-counter and available at most drug stores, and other retail establishments. They have a 13% to 28% failure rate and can be reversed.
A vaginal pouch is used by the female, is a barrier method, has a 28% failure rate and can be reversed.
Both the vasectomy and the tubal ligation are surgical procedures that are a permanent birth control choice. Both procedure can be reversed but at great cost and require surgery to be reversed. The tubal ligation has a 0.2% to 0.4% failure rate and the vasectomy has a 0.02% to 0.2% failure rate. The vasectomy requires local anesthesia and the tubal requires general anesthesia, which carries with it more risks than the local. The vasectomy is considered to be minor surgery and takes anywhere from 15 minutes to 30 minutes of actual surgery time as compared to the tubal which is major surgery and is a lengthy operation that can be done following the birth of a child by c-section or is done separately. Both operations can be reversed if the desire to have a child is changed but neither of the success rates for reversal or guaranteed and the reversal surgeries carry the same risks and complication factors that other surgeries carry.
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