Pill
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 |  PillNo non-hormonal birth control pill is FDA-approved in the US. Ormeloxifene (centchroman) is approved and used in India. |  VasectomyA permanent outpatient procedure that blocks the vas deferens so sperm cannot enter the semen. |
|---|---|---|
| Efficacy | Limited evidence see details Limited evidence: no verifiable efficacy data available. | 99.85% typical use Most effective: over 99 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year. |
| Cost | Contact provider Insurance: Varies | $0–$3,500 Insurance: Usually |
| Duration | Weekly pill (ongoing) | Permanent |
| Reversibility | Reversible | Permanent |
| STI Protection | No | No |
| How it works | Ormeloxifene (centchroman) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that prevents pregnancy by inhibiting implantation of a fertilized egg in the endometrium. It does not suppress ovulation and does not contain estrogen or progestin. It is not FDA-approved in the US. | 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. |
| Prescription | Required Prescription required | OTC Procedure (in-person) |
| Available Products | 1 product | No branded products yet |
| Side effects |
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| Who shouldn't use this |
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