Female Sterilization
vs
Vasectomy

A side-by-side comparison of two birth control methods — efficacy, cost, how they work, and who shouldn't use them.

Side-by-side comparison

Method
Female Sterilization

Female Sterilization

A permanent surgical procedure that blocks or removes the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy.
Vasectomy

Vasectomy

A permanent outpatient procedure that blocks the vas deferens so sperm cannot enter the semen.
Efficacy99.5% typical use

Most effective: over 99 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.

99.85% typical use

Most effective: over 99 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.

Cost$0–$6,000

Insurance: Usually

$0–$3,500

Insurance: Usually

DurationPermanentPermanent
ReversibilityPermanentPermanent
STI ProtectionNoNo
How it works

Surgical disruption (clipping, banding, cauterization, or complete removal) of the fallopian tubes prevents eggs from reaching the uterus and sperm from reaching the egg.

A clinician cuts, seals, or blocks the vas deferens so sperm cannot mix with semen during ejaculation. The body absorbs the sperm, and the semen remains normal in appearance and volume.

PrescriptionRequired Prescription requiredOTC Procedure (in-person)
Available Products2 productsNo branded products yet
Side effects
  • Surgical risks (bleeding, infection, organ damage)
  • Anesthesia side effects
  • Ectopic pregnancy (small but serious risk if failure occurs)
  • Mild pain or swelling for a few days
  • Bruising or bleeding at the site
  • Sperm granuloma (small lump, usually harmless)
  • Chronic post-vasectomy pain syndrome (rare, 1-2%)
Who shouldn't use this
  • Medical instability for general anesthesia or laparoscopy
  • Uncertainty about future fertility desires
  • Uncertainty about future fertility desires
  • Active local or systemic infection
  • Bleeding disorder