The cost of male and female sterilization is high, until you realize that it’s permanent. One and done. But take a closer look at the “Permanent birth control” table, below. Compare the first two, which are forms of female sterilization to vasectomy, male sterilization. Not only is vasectomy less expensive, it’s easier. It’s often performed in the doctor’s office and the patient goes home right away.
Tubal ligation and salpingectomy, on the other hand, require general anesthesia and the patient usually stays at least one night in the hospital. It is generally safe, although about 20 women die per year from the procedure. No death has ever been attributed to vasectomy in the US.
Permanent birth control
The majority of this birth control data come from the US News Money website, which publishes advice about financial matters. The publication is from 2019, although some of the figures could be older.
Most of the options for birth control have additional costs such as the consultation, the follow-up visits, and for vasectomy, semen analysis.
The higher figure is the cost without insurance, with lower figures representative of the cost with insurance. However, you may be able to get all of the birth control options that require a prescription or require you to go to a clinic for a procedure for free under certain types of insurance or at certain clinics.
| Form of birth control | One-time cost | Effectiveness |
| | |
| Bilateral tubal ligation (tubes tied) | Up to $6,000 | 99% |
| | |
| Salpingectomy (tubes removed) | $5,500-10,300 | 99% |
| | |
| Vasectomy | Up to $1,000 | 99% |
| | |
Temporary birth control
The majority of this birth control data come from the US News Money website, which publishes advice about financial matters. The publication is from 2019, although some of the figures could be older.
The options for birth control which are procedures or require a prescription have additional costs such as the consultation and the follow-up visits.
The lower figure in the range of costs is the cost with insurance. The higher figure is the cost without insurance. However, you may be able to get all of the birth control options that require a prescription or require you to go to a clinic for a procedure for free under certain types of insurance or at certain clinics.
| Form of birth control | Annual
cost ** | Effectiveness |
| | |
| Abstinence | $0 | 100% |
| | |
| Birth control pills | $20-800 | 91% |
| | |
| Condoms | $200 | 85% |
| | |
| Diaphragms | $22-68 | 88% |
| | |
| ella® (morning after pill; take within 5 days; requires prescription) | $50 | 85% |
| | |
| Implant (Nexplanon) (lasts 5 years) | $0-1,300 | 99% |
| | |
| IUD (lasts from 3-12 years) | $0-1,300 | 99% |
| | |
| Patch (weekly for 3 weeks then off a week; repeat) | $360-420 | 91% |
| | |
| Plan B® (morning after pill; take within 3 days; over-the-counter) | $11-50 | 75-89% |
| | |
| Shot (Depo-Provera) (taken quarterly) | $120-300 | 95% |
| | |
| Vaginal rings (Nuva-Ring) (lasts up to 5 weeks) | $360-420 | 91% |
| | |
Websites about this stuff
Many issues besides cost and effectiveness are important in understanding birth control options. When you factor in insurance coverage, the topic becomes even more complex. In addition, more options besides the ones above are available.
The choice is between you and your partner. It will change throughout your life as your needs and wants change, and as your financial situation changes.
A wealth of websites offers easy-to-understand information that reflect their commitment to public service. The following list contains links to especially useful websites.
- Abortion news: The Kaiser Family Foundation tracks news on changing abortion laws.
- Birth control benefits: HealthCare.gov explains how to use the Health Insurance Marketplace® for birth control benefits.
- Birth control methods and costs: US News Money covers a surprisingly wide area of family finances, including birth control methods and costs.
- Laparoscopic sterilization: Kaiser Permanente, the largest managed care organization in the US, thoroughly explains medical procedures.
- Vasectomy: Planned Parenthood is one of the best, including its page on vasectomy. Many Planned Parenthood clinics offer vasectomies and condoms.
- Vasectomy, birth control: GoodRx, the online business that offers info on the lowest prices for prescription drugs, has info on procedures like vasectomy, birth control, and insurance.
When the time comes to consider permanent contraception, it’s hard to beat the argument presented by the vasectomy. It’s easy, inexpensive, low-risk, and effective. Once you’re sperm-free, about three months after the procedure, it takes the burden of birth control off your partner. What a gift.
In addition, it makes spontaneous sex possible. No devices or goo or scheduling. Just uninhibited sex. You could have sex on the beach, in a forest, on a mountaintop, in a rowboat, or in the kitchen. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?