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| | | A vasectomy is a surgical sterilization procedure usually used by men who are certain they do not want to father any -- or, more often, any more, children. Typically an outpatient procedure, a vasectomy involves cutting the tubes that carry sperm. | | |
| Typical costs: | - For patients not covered by insurance, a vasectomy typically costs $250 to $1,000.
- For patients covered by insurance, out-of-pocket costs typically consist of a $10 to $30 co-pay for the initial consultation and another co-pay of $10 to $100 for the procedure, or a percentage of the total -- usually 20 percent.
- Vasectomies are covered by about 70 percent of health insurance plans, according to the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals. According to the Arizona Center for Vasectomy & Urology, insurers that regularly cover vasectomies include PacifiCare, BlueCross BlueShield, United Healthcare and Medicare. However, plans vary, so it is important to check with your insurer.
What should be included: | - In a standard vasectomy, the doctor administers local anesthesia, then makes a small incision in the scrotum, cuts the two vas deferens tubes and either ties, stitches or cauterizes them to prevent the passage of sperm.
- In a no-scalpel vasectomy, the doctor uses a small, pointy clamp to poke through the skin of the scrotum and perform the procedure. Usually, there are fewer side effects and it is equally effective.
- In a Vasclip implant procedure, the doctor does not cut the vas deferens tubes, but clips them shut. This procedure is considered less effective than other vasectomy techniques.
- It takes at least three months for semen to become free of sperm, and this must be confirmed with a post-vasectomy analysis at the doctor's office, which usually is included in the vasectomy price.
- Vasectomies are more than 99 percent effective. WebMD offers more information and Planned Parenthood offers an overview of vasectomies.
Additional costs: | - If you change your mind, vasectomy reversal, which often is not covered by health insurance, can cost $6,000 to $15,000. The success rate -- the percentage of couples who achieve a pregnancy within two years after a vasectomy reversal is only about 52 percent.
Shopping for a vasectomy: | - A doctor who performs a vasectomy should be a board-certified urologist. The American Urological Association offers a physician locator by zip code, but check to make sure the doctor is certified by the American Board of Urology.
- Vasectomy reversals are expensive and not guaranteed to work, so vasectomies are recommended only for men who are absolutely sure they do not want to father any children in the future.
- Some minor bruising and swelling can occur with the procedure. And, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, risks include pain, bleeding and infection.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Article updated August 2008 |
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