How Much Does a Vasectomy Cost?

Getting a vasectomy can cost anywhere between $0 and $1000 in the United States. It can be done in an office setting with local anesthesia or as an outpatient surgical procedure. Many private insurance companies will cover the cost of a vasectomy, but it is not an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act.

A permanent form of birth control, vasectomies are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. It is also the most cost-effective method of birth control over the long term.

While a vasectomy reversal is possible, the procedure does not always work. You should only consider vasectomy if you are 100% certain you do not want to father a child in the future.

This article discusses the cost of a vasectomy. It also explains the procedure, its effectiveness, and other factors to consider before getting a vasectomy.

How Effective Is a Vasectomy?

A vasectomy, also known as male sterilization, is considered a permanent birth control method. In the United States, over 500,000 vasectomies are performed each year. In some regions, such as the U.K, the number of men undergoing a vasectomy has dropped significantly in recent years.

A vasectomy is a surgical procedure, and can be done in an outpatient setting. The cost is about five times less than the cost of tubal ligation (female sterilization).

Before you seek a vasectomy, it may help to ask your healthcare provider about any laws or rules that apply in your state. In some areas, there may be waiting periods, age restrictions, required counseling, or spousal consent.

Average Cost

In the U.S., a vasectomy cost will range from $0 to $1,000. The cost of vasectomy will typically cover:

• Initial consultation
• The vasectomy procedure itself
• Anesthesia (local or general)
• Follow-up semen analyses

Most healthcare providers or clinics will include all of these in one price. Others may charge for each individual service. Be sure to ask about this as you are choosing a healthcare provider.

A semen analysis may be done at home or in the doctor's office to be analyzed for sperm. The doctor may also have you do it at home and have it mailed to an external lab which may be an added cost but more convenient for you.

Vasectomy costs may differ quite a bit, depending on where the procedure takes place. It is usually done by a board-certified urologist in a healthcare provider’s office, a clinic (including Planned Parenthood), or an outpatient surgical facility or hospital.

Your vasectomy may cost more if it takes place in an outpatient medical facility. This is because some of these centers charge an additional facility fee. Keep in mind, too, that side effects or complications may sometimes add to the cost of a vasectomy.

Costs vs. Other Forms of Birth Control

It's important to weigh the costs of a vasectomy against the costs of not having one. If you are certain that you wish to prevent pregnancy, then it's necessary to look at how effective it is.

The cost of having a child is substantial. It's not just an unplanned pregnancy that must be considered when comparing the cost of a vasectomy with other birth control methods.

A lifetime supply of condoms may or may not cost more than a vasectomy. It depends on your taste and how often you might need them.

Risks vs. Other Forms of Birth Control

Some methods may also present health risks over time, as is the case with blood clots linked to using some birth control pills. Common side effects include weight gain or mood swings, and in those who have a genetic predisposition to breast cancer, the pill can mildly increase the risk.

An intrauterine device (IUD) can be very effective, but there is always the looming risk of infection. There is also a risk of a perforation caused by the IUD pushing through the wall of the uterus.

A vasectomy is much more convenient, though it's critical to remember that it will not lower the risk of sexually transmitted diseases as condoms do.

Medical Insurance Coverage

Most health insurance companies will cover vasectomy costs when they are done as an outpatient procedure. Check with your insurance provider first to make sure that they include vasectomy benefits.

Usually, health insurance companies will cover most or all of your vasectomy cost after your yearly deductible has been met. If you qualify, Medicaid or other state programs in your area may also cover the cost of a vasectomy.

Some providers or clinics may offer a sliding scale fee if you do not have a health insurance plan. The cost is then based on your income level.

Make sure you ask about which payment options your healthcare provider accepts. You can check with them to see if they offer you a discount on your vasectomy if you pay in cash. It also may be an option to set up a payment plan.

The Cost of Reversal

Another question to ask yourself is whether you are sure that you want to undergo permanent sterilization. A vasectomy reversal is possible if you change your mind, but it's expensive and does not always work.

The cost to reverse a vasectomy is between $5,000 and $15,000. Most health insurance companies will not cover this procedure. Furthermore, the success rate varies greatly when a reversal is done to restore fertility and achieve pregnancy.

In general, the more time that passes between vasectomy and a vasectomy reversal procedure, and the higher the age of the female partner, the lower the chance of achieving pregnancy.

Alternatives

There are no other permanent birth control alternatives to vasectomy in a person who has testes. Permanent birth control for a person who has ovaries includes tying the fallopian tubes (tubal ligation).

The cost of a vasectomy is usually much less than tubal ligation. Non-monetary costs are also higher for tubal ligation. The risk of complications or even death from a tubal ligation is much higher than that of a vasectomy.

Summary

Vasectomy is a birth control option that is generally less risky than tubal ligation or some of the other methods like birth control pills. It also compares favorably against other methods in terms of cost and how effective it is in preventing pregnancy.

The cost of vasectomy in the U.S. is between $0 and $1,000, making it less expensive than tubal ligation. This depends, though, on if you have insurance, what type of insurance you may have, and what setting the vasectomy is done. Be sure to check these details before moving forward with your decision.

Reversing a vasectomy is much more expensive, and there's no guarantee it will be successful. Keep in mind that many factors come into play when weighing the cost of vasectomy, including the chance that you may later regret whatever decision you have made.

Before choosing vasectomy, it's important to have a deep and thoughtful discussion with your partner. Then follow through with your healthcare provider to discuss your options.