References

[1] “Chapter 13: Vasectomy.” Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers, 2022, fphandbook.org/chapter-13-vasectomy . Accessed August 2023.

[2] Sharlip, I.D., et al. “Vasectomy.” AUA Guideline, 2015, www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/vasectomy-guideline . Accessed August 2023.

[3] “Technical and Managerial Guidelines for Vasectomy Services.” World Health Organization, 1988, apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/37300/9241542187_eng.pdf?sequence=1 . Accessed August 2023.

[4] “Who can have a vasectomy?” Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers, 2022, fphandbook.org/who-can-have-vasectomy . Accessed August 2023.

[5] “Vasectomy: How it works.” University of Virginia: Department of Urology, med.virginia.edu/urology/for-patients-and-visitors/mens-health/vasectomy-how-it-works/ . Accessed August 2023.

[6] “Side Effects, Health Benefits, Health Risks, and Complications.” Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers, fphandbook.org/side-effects-health-benefits-health-risks-and-complications- . Accessed August 2023.

[7] Cook, L.A., et al. “Scalpel versus no‐scalpel incision for vasectomy.” Cochrane Library, 2007, Issue 2, www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD004112.pub3/full . Accessed August 2023.

[8] “Vasectomy Techniques.” Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers, 2022, fphandbook.org/vasectomy-techniques . Accessed August 2023.

[9] “Vasectomy Reversal.” Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/vasectomy-reversal/about/pac-20384537 . Accessed August 2023.

[10] “Permanent Birth Control (Sterilization).” Reproductive Health Access Project, 2018, www.reproductiveaccess.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/sterilization.pdf . Accessed August 2023.

[11] “Male and Female Sterilisation.” Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare, 2014, www.fsrh.org/standards-and-guidance/documents/cec-ceu-guidance-sterilisation-cpd-sep-2014/ . Accessed August 2023.

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Compare with similar Contraceptive Methods

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Tubal ligation

Permanent

What is it?

Tubal ligation is the medical blockage of the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy.

Effectiveness

It's 99% effective.

Pros

It’s low effort. Get it and forget it.
It’s easy to hide. No one will know you’ve had one.
It’s non-hormonal.
It’s long-term and offered as a permanent contraception.

Cons

It’s only a good option if you’ve already had enough children or do not want any more children.
It’s permanent, so you need to be 100% sure. Though reversal is possible, pregnancy is not guaranteed.
It doesn’t protect against STIs.

Vasectomy

Permanent

A vasectomy is a surgical procedure in which the tubes that carry sperm are blocked to prevent pregnancy. A man can still ejaculate, but the semen has no sperm.

It's 99% effective.

It offers long-term protection.
It’s easy to hide. No one will know.
It’s low effort. You have the procedure once, and you are done for life.
It does not affect sexual performance or libido.
It is cheaper than having a tubal ligation/.

It’s permanent. Although it’s reversible, the procedure is expensive and doesn’t guarantee a pregnancy.
It does not protect from STIs.

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