A vasectomy does not normally require a hospital stay or even an out-patient basis at a clinic. The surgical procedure can be performed right in the office of the doctor! Therefore, the man is not incurring all of the costs associated with a hospital stay. Vasectomies rate among the most affordable of all surgeries and only take about 30 minutes to complete. The average cost for the procedure can be anywhere from $600 to $1,000 or more, give or take a few hundred dollars.

The cost of the vasectomy is affected by several factors. First of all, prices are somewhat geographic specific due to cost of living in an area, although a man can get the same quality of care practically anywhere. Another factor that affects the cost of the vasectomy is the type of surgical technique the doctor uses. The traditional approach which uses a needle for anesthetic and a scalpel for the incision will likely be cheaper than newer techniques like the no-needle vasectomy which uses a pressurized jet spray that anesthetizes the scrotum area. The newer the technology, the more expensive the price is. Of course, it is all dependent too on what and how much insurance can or will cover.

If there is any debate about whether the man or the woman should undergo a permanent birth control technique and both cost and recovery were a factor, the vasectomy would win hands down as the preferred method. Women who have a tubal ligation must undergo general anesthetic as the procedure is rather complex and will require several days' stay in a hospital. The recovery time could take up to two months or more and the cost can be quite higher and is not always covered by insurance. Comparing the male and female permanent birth control options, the vasectomy is the cheapest and least painful option with minimal recovery time.

To determine whether a man can afford the vasectomy, here are three options to consider:

1. Pay cash. Saving the money for the procedure wouldn't take long and there is a chance that a discount could be obtained by paying for services upfront. By cutting out a few extras for a couple of months, the cost could be carved out of a budget with ease.

2. Check with the insurance company regarding coverage for a vasectomy. There may be out-of-pocket costs like co-pay for doctor services but if the procedure is covered, insurance would pay most of it.

3. If you have a credit card with a large enough limit, the vasectomy may be able to be paid for with it. Of course, using a credit card would mean incurring the finance fees that most cards charge for the privilege of using it.

4. The final option for paying for a vasectomy would be a combination of any or all of the above options.

There are two ways in which doctor's perform the reversal: vasovasostomy and vasoepididymostomy.

Avasovasostomy is a reversal procedure in which the severed ends of the vas deferens are sewn back together. It is possible that during surgery it is discovered that the ends cannot be sewn back together so a more complex surgery is then required to restore the flow of sperm.

Vasoepididymostomy is when the vas deferens is attached directly to the epididymis. The epididymis is the coiled tube located on the back of a testicle. The testicle is where the sperm mature. The vasectomy surgery possibly blocked or even caused a break in the vas deferens or the epididymis or both. The vasoepididymostomy surgery is used when there is blockage preventing the sperm from flowing.

To correct the blockage, during the surgery the vas deferens are connected to the epididymis above the point of blockage. There is no way to know before the surgery which technique the doctor will need to do. The doctor will choose during the surgery. There is also the possibility that a combination of the two techniques will be necessary. It all depends on the condition of the vas deferens and the condition of the epididymis.

The Reversal Surgery:

General anesthesia is usually used or an epidural, spinal or local anesthetic. The point of the anesthesia is to keep you completely still due to the delicate nature of the surgery. The surgery itself is done using a microscope that will aid the doctor by magnifying the area from 5 to 20 times. The doctor/surgeon will expose and examine the vas deferens and the fluid inside it. The examination of fluid helps to determine which technique the doctor will need to do in order to restore the flow of sperm.

If sperm is located during the surgery, the male may have decided to have this sperm frozen so that it can be used in a procedure called, "in vitro fertilization" that is specifically called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). This is another option to help the male father a child in case the vasectomy reversal is not successful at helping the male to produce a child.

After the surgery the male will have bandages on the area. The jockstrap will be used to hold these bandages in place, and to apply pressure in the area to help reduce swelling. There may be some pain and cramping after the anesthetic wears off. The pain gets better after a few days. The male may be sore for a few days. Acetaminophen may be necessary to handle any discomfort felt from the surgery. There may also be some bruising in the area. The skin discoloration should disappear approximately 2 weeks after the surgery. If stitches were used, they will dissolve after 7 to 10 days from the date of surgery.

Instructions will be given for what to do following the surgery. Bathing and swimming will be restricted for the first 2 days following surgery. It is wise to refrain from heavy lifting or sports also for at least 3 weeks. The doctor will guide you regarding returning to work. The timing for returning will depend on your job and how physical or strenuous it is and how much walking or driving is involved in your daily work activity. Sexual intercourse or ejaculation should be delayed for at least 4 weeks. A jockstrap should be worn for at least several weeks at all times, except when showering and for several weeks after that when exercising.

Males undergo the vasectomy procedure to the tune of some 600,000 men each year. The popularity of this choice of birth control stems from the manner in which it can be done (doctor's office, medical center or hospital) giving the male options.

The effectiveness of the method (less than 1% and up to 2% failure rate) as compared to other birth control choices:

The failure rate for other birth control methods are:

Condom – up to 33%
Diaphragm – up to 21%
Hormone implants – up to 2%
IUD – up to 5%
Oral Pill – up to 3%
Rhythm Method – up to 47%
Tubal Ligation – up to .4%
Spermicidal – up to 28%

The vasectomy is a permanent birth control method that does not interfere with the male or female ability to receive pleasure from the sexual act while using the method.

There is a no-scalpel method that was developed in the early 1970s in China by Dr. Li Shunqiang that is a popular vasectomy procedure. Worldwide 15,000 of these no-scalpel vasectomies have been performed with more being done every 20 minutes.

The vasectomy procedure does not have an affect on the male sexual drive, performance, touch or appearance of the scrotum.

Approximately 85% of insurance programs will cover the procedure, with little or no cost to the insured.

Vasectomies can be performed by qualified medical doctors, specialist (urinary tract or reproductive organs), urologists and surgeons; giving the male many choices.

The cost of the tubal ligation is usually 5 times that of a vasectomy.

Most physical activities can be resumed including sexual activities within one to two weeks of having the procedure.

The risks involved in the procedure:

There are always risks involved whenever you undergo a surgical procedure. The risks are low for a vasectomy and will be explained by your doctor during any birth control discussions as well as prior to starting the vasectomy. The risks involve:

An allergic reaction, which may include hives, itching and is a result of the local anesthetic used.

The sperm that are not released after the vasectomy may attract antibodies.

Bleeding is always a consideration when incisions are made. Bleeding may collect under the skin and may look like the scrotum or penis is bruised. Bleeding may cause swelling. Bruising is an expected reaction from this procedure due to the fact that the skin of the scrotum is thin.

A rare event that may occur following the procedure is called, "chronic orchialagia", and is a dull ache in the testicles caused by the epididymis becoming congested with dead sperm and fluid. If you experience this rare reaction it usually clears within 6 months of the procedure.

The vas deferens (tubes behind the testicles) may become inflamed and swollen in which case a anti-inflammatory medication is applied and the condition usually clears up within a week of the procedure.

It may help to print out this article and bring it with you as you discuss this option with your doctor or sexual partner.

The very first thing a male should do upon making this decision is to select a qualified doctor/surgeon to do the surgery if he really wants to have the protection he is seeking. To be truly effective the vasectomy needs to be done CORRECTLY! This is the type of surgery that you do not want someone doing it on YOU who has only done a few hundred of them, you want someone who has been doing vasectomies for at least a couple of years and is well experienced in doing them and is current on the latest techniques. The failure rate for vasectomies done correctly is still as few as 1 in 1,000 vasectomies. What they fail to do is to prevent the sperm from getting into the semen that is then ejaculated upon orgasm. If you choose to have a vasectomy done by a doctor that is qualified to do one but does fewer than 50 a year the failure rate could be as high as 17% or more! Which failure rate would you rather have when you know for sure that you do not want to father a biological child?

There are various techniques that surgeons use in order to cut, inactivate, or close the two ends of the vas deferens. Recent surveys have concluded that the best technique is called "intraluminal cauterization with fascial interposition". Using the interposition puts tissues between the two cut ends, so there is a "double zip lock" effect between any remaining sperm and the semen. After you have selected a well-qualified surgeon to do your vasectomy; ask him/her about this technique and if this is the one that will be done during your surgery?

As many as 10% of men who have had vasectomies (according to one review of 10,000 men), can still have sperm in their semen some 6 months AFTER the surgery. Make sure that if you are one of these men ending up in that 10% group, that you have the technique that ensures the highest success rate.

Choosing the correct surgeon to do your vasectomy not only ensures the lowest failure rate possible, but it will also help to make sure you have the lowest rate of complications possible from your surgery.

To further reduce your risk of having a pregnany after a vasectomy it is very important to make sure that you use alternate birth control methods for at least 3 months after your vasectomy to prevent any sperm that are still swimming around "downstream" of where the cut was made from reaching your semen. Twelve weeks from the date of your vasectomy, you should have a follow-up sperm test of your semen to be sure that your sperm count is now zero. A negative result (no sperm present) will mean that your vasectomy has been successful. Now, that you have read that sentence, know this: Even with a negative sperm count on a test post-vasectomy the statistics say that 1 in 2,000 men can become fertile again after having a vasectomy. This happens when a male's body "heals itself". This can happen and if it does do not jump to the conclusion that your wife/partner has cheated on you! It just may be that you are that 1 in 2,000 who can return to fertility.

While researching vasectomies prior to having one done you may run across studies done in the early 1990s that report a link between vasectomies and prostate cancer. A later survey done in New Zealand refuted those claims.

You may find a study linking possible dementia with vasectomies but, according to Sokal and Labrecque, dementia is only at this time a "hypothetical risk of vasectomy", and one that still requires more research to prove.

It is important to note that it is not prudent to expect that once you have a vasectomy that it can be "undone or reversed", according to Sokal and Labrecque. Give your decision careful consideration, do your research, ask questions, and choose a doctor/surgeon well qualified to do your surgery in order to increase your benefits and decrease your risks from your vasectomy.

Risk can come in many forms from the possibility of pregnancy using different types of birth control like the pill or condom to the possible bodily reactions of the simple vasectomy surgery. It is up to you to evaluate all options and conduct a personal risk assessment to see whether a vasectomy is right for your lifestyle.

After the vasectomy procedure, most men will feel some discomfort and soreness for several days and this is normal. Bruising and swelling is also a common side effect and should not be cause for distress. While these side effects go away within a few days, it is not uncommon for them to linger up to two weeks. Because the majority on have pain and discomfort for a few days, most vasectomies are scheduled on a Thursday or Friday so that you would have the weekend to recover. To help you with your decision, here are some possible risks or complications you might face with this minor surgery:

1. Allergic Reaction – A very negligible amount of men experience some type of allergic reaction like a rash or hives in response to the anesthetic applied to the scrotal area. After the surgery, anti-histamines usually clear it up.

2. Pain Post-op – It is normal for men to feel pain in the scrotum for a few days after the simple surgery. Unless the pain is intense (which is rare), over the counter pain relievers usually help.

3. Swelling and bruising – As mentioned above, swelling and bruising is normal and may not crop up until a few days after the vasectomy. Wearing an athletic supporter can help ease the ache of the swelling and bruising and applying ice packs also helps reduce them the symptoms too.

4. Infection – As with any type of surgery, there is a slight risk of infection. However, this is rare but can easily be resolved with antibiotics. If the vasectomy procedure used was the no-scalpel technique, the infection risk is negligible.

5. Blood in the semen – While disconcerting, it can be quite normal for blood to be present in your ejaculate. It may take several sessions before the blood is gone.

6. Epididymitis – This is the inflammation of the epididymus, a gland connected to the vas deferens which stores the sperm until ready for transportation to the semen through the vas deferens. Pain from this inflammation can happen up to a year post-surgery and can be easily treated. While painful, the inflammation usually subsides quickly.

7. Risk of Prostate Cancer – Some sources believe that having a vasectomy increases the risk of contracting prostate cancer. However, there are no definitive conclusions to this claim and no direct evidence.

The majority of men who undergo a vasectomy have never had an issue with the procedure and many report satisfaction with their decision of permanent birth control. The best option for you is to evaluate the procedure, consult with a urologist and weight the pros and cons of a vasectomy before making a decision.

His one staple is the fact that his anesthesia will be local as it is for all types of vasectomies. The usual method of delivery for this local anesthesia is usually by injection (a needle). Some doctor now have available to them a "no needle" device in which to apply the anesthesia. The no needle device uses a "jet injection" spray. This is a well-established mode of transmitting anesthesia, which has been used in dentistry to delivery local anesthesia for a while and is a painless or almost painless way of injecting the anesthesia. Not many doctors who do vasectomies have the jet injection device available to them as it is relatively new as a way of delivering anesthesia for vasectomies, but it doesn't hurt to ask if your doctor has it available.

The traditional vasectomy:

The traditional vasectomy is considered minor surgery and is usually performed in a doctor's office, medical clinic or hospital on an outpatient basis. Local anesthetic is used. The entire procedure should last no longer than 30 minutes. An incision is made on either side of the scrotum and the vas deferens are pulled out of the incision, cut and then either cauterized, cut or tied. The vas deferens is then returned to the scrotum and the incision is either stitched or left to heal naturally. If stitched it usually takes 3 to 4 sutures to close each hole.

The No-Scalpel vasectomy:

Dr. Li Shunqiang in China developed the No-Scalpel vasectomy in the early 1970s. This technique is used worldwide to the tune of approximately 15 million vasectomies done the no-scalpel way.

Special instruments are used to make the hole on either side of the scrotum and the vas deferens are pulled out and cut, clipped or tied much as they are in the traditional vasectomy. The puncture holes are smaller than the incision of the traditional vasectomy and usually do not require stitches. Local anesthetic is used to allow the patient to be comfortable during the procedure.

The Laser Vasectomy:

There is no significant advantage to using a laser in the performance of a vasectomy as the vas deference's still need to be reached so a hole still needs to be made in either side of the scrotum.

The traditional and the No-Scalpel vasectomies are equally effective and a local anesthetic is used no matter which method is selected.

The no needle anesthetic technique helps to reduce anxiety and pain for those men who do not like needles.

As in any surgery, no matter how minor, a discussion with your doctor should take place before the surgery to discuss all the details and to answer any questions.

Males are very protective of the genital region and fear anything that may injure them in that area. Just the thought of anything sharp coming near that region and well, even the most macho of males will bolt the room rather than stay and discuss that!

Usually the discussion regarding have a vasectomy is either very short or one-sided. Occasionally a man may actually bring up the topic, but it usually is discussed when the topic of birth control comes up or family planning in after the desired number of offspring have been born. Men typically can understand the long-term benefits of having a vasectomy; it is the short-term consequences of actually having it that has them concerned. In some instances it is a huge step that only the man can take to further the couple's relationship plans.

Men can alleviate their fear by investigating the no-scalpel procedure. This procedure is just as effective as the traditional vasectomy, is safe, and only takes about 15 minutes to do once all the paperwork and prep work is done.

A real common concern is the "pain" that may be experienced. No one likes to be in pain and men, especially do not want to admit to being concerned about the pain. They may voice concern over not feeling well enough to return to work, or to have sex…but what they really mean is, " will it hurt?" The actual procedure should not be painful. The man will feel some pulling during the procedure and after the anesthesia wears off, the man will feel some degree of discomfort that can easily be taken care of by taking an analgesic such as Tylenol. The doctor may give a prescription for pain as well as to list the over-the-counter pain medication that is acceptable to take. The man can also apply ice packs to the area and wear an athletic supporter to also help give comfort.

Another concern for most men contemplating having a vasectomy is that of risk factors. They should know that a vasectomy is both safe and a relatively simple and minor surgical procedure that only requires a local anesthesia. Problems stemming from a vasectomy are very rare and if any do occur, there are remedies that can correct them. Problems are limited to infections, swelling, bleeding, bruising, inflammation and a small lump that is possible as a result of sperm leakage.

Males are also usually concerned about losing libido (sexual ability), which is of course not a normal occurrence at all after a vasectomy. The procedure can only prevent sperm from getting to the semen it does nothing else. The scrotum will feel and look the same, ejaculation is going to happen just as before the procedure except that there will not be any sperm in it at least not after the next 20 ejaculations following the procedure.

The male and female partner may both be concerned about the failure rate for vasectomy. The failure rate is between 1% and 2%, which is a lot less than other birth control methods. During the first 20 ejaculations after the vasectomy and until the male has a negative sperm count test, the couple will need to use alternate birth control until all the sperm are out of the man's system for sure. Any sperm produced after the procedure will dissolve and be reabsorbed into the male body just as other non-used sperm does.

Some men are concerned about lost work time. Usually the doctor will tell the man to avoid any physical strenuous activity like heavy lifting for one week following the procedure and that men typically return to work within 3 days of the procedure. Men report feeling totally back to normal within one to two weeks of the procedure.

Anyone thinking about having a vasectomy as their birth control method should feel free to discuss any of the concerns with the medical staff involved in the procedure. All questions should be addressed before the procedure.

Common terms used during conversations about having a vasectomy are:

Epididymis: This is the tightly coiled, and very small section of tubes that are covering the back and sides of the testicles. The epididymis is where the sperm are stored and where they mature after leaving the testis and before they are transported to the vas deferens.

The prostate gland: This gland is located below the bladder, and contributes significantly to the makeup of the seminal secretions. It is also where the ejaculatory ducts, the vas deferens, and also the urethra join together.

The scrotum: This is the sac that contains the testicles, the epididymis, and the vas deferens (the tubes that carry the sperm). The scrotum is where the incisions or openings are made during the techniques used to perform the vasectomies.

Semen: This is the glandular fluid that is made up of a combination of sperm and semen. The mixture consists of 1% sperm and 99% semen.

The seminal vesicle: This is a sac at the very end of the vas deferens that produces a part of the seminal fluid. This is the fluid (semen) that is ejaculated by the male during his sexual climax. This fluid not only transports the sperm, it nourishes the sperm too.

Testicles: The testicles are located inside the scrotum. They are the male reproductive glands with the purpose of producing sperm and also the male hormone testosterone.

The urethra: This is the passageway that runs from the bladder to the tip of the penis and is how the urine and the semen are transported out of the male body.

Vas deferens: There are two tubes each called a vas deferens. They are tubes located on either side of the scrotum. They are muscular tubes with the function of carrying the sperm from the testicle and the epididymis to the urinary tract where they are transported out of the urethra.

The vasectomy itself carries very little health risk and there has never been a death that has been associated with the male having had a vasectomy. The alternative permanent procedure, the one performed on the female – a tubal ligation, is associated with no fewer than 20 deaths each year. This is why, when a couple decides to have the "permanent birth control" conversation, a vasectomy is more appealing, because the health risks are much less for the vasectomy than for the tubal and the risk of death for the male is zero, compared to the risk that a female faces for death during or following a tubal ligation.

Because a vasectomy deals some delicate issues and areas, there are often many questions that people have in regards to the procedure. Here are some of the top questions and their respective answers:

1. What is a vasectomy? It is a small surgical procedure that basically renders a man sterile, meaning unable to father children. The procedure involves cutting the small tube called the vas deferens which carries the children-producing sperm from the testicles to the semen. A vasectomy does not affect sexual intercourse in any way and the semen produced during the act will not contain sperm.

2. How quickly does the vasectomy take to work? Contrary to popular belief, sterility does not happen right away following the procedure. It will take some time for the sperm to disappear from the semen, even with the vas deferens being cut. The doctors requests that patients come in for several appointments to have their semen tested for motile sperm. It may take a few tests over the period of a few weeks before knowing definitively when the sperm disappears and no alternate form of birth control is needed.

3. If the vas deferens is cut, where do the sperm end up and what happens to them? This is one of the most curious questions in regards to vasectomies. Basically, the body will reabsorb the sperm naturally. The vasectomy does not stop the testes from producing sperm but it does stop them from ending up in the semen.

4. What about the sex life after a vasectomy? The answer is that only the physical transportation of sperm is interrupted not your sex drive or the ability to have an orgasm, erection or ejaculation. Even the semen looks the same as it always has because only a minute portion of its contents (sperm) are gone and the rest of the liquid remains the same. Hormone levels also do not change with a vasectomy. Many men report an increased sex drive because there is no niggling worry in the back of their mind about birth control. Of course, a vasectomy does not stop the spread of STDs.

5. Can the vasectomy be reversed later on? The answer is yes although the procedure should be viewed as permanent. It would take a very skilled surgeon specializing in microsurgery to reverse the vasectomy and still there is no guarantee that the surgery would work and sperm would find its way back into the semen. For this reason, men should carefully consider and re-consider the procedure before proceeding.

6. What are the risks? There are always risks with a surgical procedure but the vasectomy is among the safest around. If there are any complications, it is usually in the form of infection at the incision site, minor swelling or bruising or even accumulation of fluid. Typically, these effects are easily treated and do go away on their own. Most men do have some mild pain but nothing compared to a woman going through a tubal litigation, the female equivalent of becoming sterile.

All in all, if a man has his mind made up to go through with a vasectomy, the most crucial part of the whole process is choosing the right doctor for the procedure. Conducting due diligence, gathering references and getting several opinions will help narrow down the best surgeon for the procedure.

Society has taken a somewhat skewed view of contraception between a man and woman. For years, it has always been the woman's problem, even with the movement of feminism. However, there are many men out there who either do not want children at all or have completed their family and have chosen to take responsibility for birth control. While there are some men who whimper at the thought of anyone operating on the "family jewels," the fact of the matter is many men are forward-thinking enough to assume the responsibility.

Here are some facts that you might find informative about the vasectomy:

1. The vasectomy is virtually effective 100% and it is quite safe. There is a negligible amount that has had side effects and no deaths have been reported as a direct result of the surgery.

2. Sexual desire and pleasure is not affected by a vasectomy. In fact, there is sometimes a heightened sex drive simply because the worry of birth control is gone and more spontaneity can be introduced in the sex life. A man's overall virility is not affected in any way.

3. There is a no-scalpel technique that can be used to perform a vasectomy which is just as effective as the traditional scalpel method. It was developed by a Chinese doctor in the 1970s and is just now truly making a big splash in the vasectomy market. Millions of men around the world have undergone the no-scalpel technique with success. Best of all, surgery is short – just about 15 to 20 minutes.

4. A large percentage of health insurance companies actually do have health coverage policies which do cover a vasectomy. Of course, co-pays and out of network specialist fees may apply, but still the vasectomy would cost a lot less with the insurance. In addition, many doctors and clinics where the surgery would occur could create a payment plan for the procedure as well.

5. Permanent birth control for a man is a lot easier than for a woman and cheaper too. The vasectomy could occur in as little as 30 minutes and there is little if any scalpel work. Recovery time can be counted in days. For a woman, tubal ligation is the only real method of permanent birth control. It involves major surgery, general anesthesia and the recovery time could take anywhere from six to eight weeks. Plus, it is a lot more expensive.

As a whole, the vasectomy is the best choice for permanent birth control, particularly when a companion or partner is involved. Of course, some men have to get past the discomfort of "baring it all" for the doctor in order to get the vasectomy accomplished.