Weighing the Pros and Cons of Tubal Ligation vs. Vasectomy

At a certain point in life, couples would want to put a stop to family planning and seek a permanent birth control method. Tubal ligation and vasectomy are both effective procedures that women and men can use to achieve permanent birth control.

Understand the pros and cons of both procedures if you are thinking about family planning and permanent birth control.

Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure that involves tying the tubes to prevent pregnancy. It is considered a very effective procedure for permanent birth control, but every procedure has its pros and cons, let us see this on a case:

Pros

You know that it is a permanent procedure, but here is more you must know:

• Permanent Solution

It is a big plus of this procedure; it is permanent, and you don’t have to worry about any unwanted pregnancy.

• It Is Effective

Only about 1 in 200 women who have had the procedure have become pregnant, which simply shows how effective this procedure is. This is less than 1% of failure, which makes it a more reliable treatment.

• No Effect on Hormones

No, your periods won’t get affected or nor does it bring menopause, which means no effect on hormones. Birth control pills can have certain effects, but you don’t have to count them in this procedure. No mood swings, weight gain or headaches or the ones caused by IUDs.

• Lower Chances of Ovarian Cancer

Although it is not clear why this happens but research has shown that tubal ligation can greatly lower the chances of this type of cancer.

Cons

Although the benefits are amazing, you cannot ignore the fact that there are some cons:

• It is Permanent

It is one of the benefits and disadvantages that the procedure is permanent. It can be reversed sometimes with surgery, but it is seen that only around half of those who have a reversal can get pregnant.

• Does Not Protect Against STDs

You will need to use other protective methods to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

• Pregnancy

Although rare, the procedure can fail. If the tubes are not completely closed, there is a chance of getting pregnant.

You must get i touch with an expert to talk more about the procedure’s pros and cons for better understanding and expert advice.

Vasectomy Surgery

Vasectomy is one of the most effective and popular procedures for male birth control. It is a safe birth control and allows you to move ahead with confidence, but you need to look at this information before making the big decision:

Pros

Here are the advantages of getting a vasectomy surgery:

• It is an effective procedure with a sucess rate of 99%.
• The procedure won’t affect sexual function or ejaculation ability.
• A minimally invasive procedure with a lower cost compared to other procedures, including tubal ligation.
• It does not affect testosterone levels nor give issues related to sexual life.
• It comes with a fast recovery time.
• No need to remember taking any medication regularly, only if prescribed by a vasectomy specialist.
• Vas deferens can be reconnected if desired later, but success rates will differ according to certain factors.

So many advantages, right? Why don’t we have a quick look at the disadvantages?

Cons

Some disadvantages that need your attention are:

• Post-operative pelvic pain
• Risk of inflammation
• Anaesthetic side effects
• Mild swelling and bruising

For you, we have prepared tips to deal with these side effects, so don’t miss out.

Tips to Heal After Vasectomy

For the first several days or till your vasectomy specialist recommends, these tips need to be followed for fast and effective healing after vasectomy surgery:

1. Apply ice packs to the area on the night of your treatment and as much as possible the following day. Do not apply continuously for more than 20 minutes at a time.
2. Remove dressing or gauze as per the expert’s suggestions. Treat the area as per the advice and ensure cleanliness is promoted to avoid any complications.
3. A small amount of blood on the gauze pads is normal, but inform the expert if you have excessive blleding.
4. Ask the expert about the intervals you need to change the gauze.
5. Shower after 24 hours of the procedure. Afterwards, keep the area clean and dry.

Couples must follow the advice given by their healthcare provider on sexual activities. Ask how long you need to refrain from intercourse/ejaculation, and take it seriously.