A vasectomy is a simple, safe, and effective surgical procedure that permanently prevents pregnancy. The cost of a vasectomy can vary depending on the physician, location, and type of surgery performed.
On average, a vasectomy costs between $350 and $1,500. Most insurance companies will cover the cost of a vasectomy, making it an affordable and accessible option for couples who are certain they do not want children.
If you’re looking for a permanent and cost-effective form of birth control and wonder if you should get a vasectomy, then schedule an initial consultation with one of our highly skilled urologists at Urology of Greater Atlanta. Call us today to schedule an appointment!
What Is Included in the Typical Costs of a Vasectomy?
The overall price for a vasectomy would include the first consultation for the vasectomy, the procedure itself, the anesthesia used during the procedure, and the semen screening after the procedure.
Both forms of vasectomy—no scalpel and traditional vasectomy—are usually the same price. Depending on the doctor’s office you have chosen, some may ask that you pay separately for each part of the overall process of the vasectomy.
What May Be Some Additional Costs of a Vasectomy?
The price of a vasectomy may vary depending on where your surgery takes place.
Suppose your vasectomy is carried out in a surgical facility vs a doctor’s office. In that case, the cost may be higher than average because of additional fees charged by the hospital for the utilization of the facility.
The cost of a vasectomy may also differ slightly based on complications that occur during the procedure or side effects experienced after the surgery.
Will My Health Insurance Cover the Cost of My Vasectomy?
Some health insurance companies have health insurance plans that will cover part or all of the cost of a vasectomy. Thus, checking with your insurance provider to see if you are eligible for coverage through your health insurance plan is essential.
The out-of-pocket cost for a vasectomy usually consists of copays ranging from $10 to $100 or 20% of the overall price. Insurance coverage makes vasectomies an affordable and accessible option for couples who are sure they do not want children.
Weighing the Cost of a Vasectomy vs Other Forms of Birth Control
If you are considering getting a vasectomy, you may wonder how the cost compares to other forms of birth control, such as pills, tubal ligation, IUDs, and condoms.
In order to calculate and compare the price difference for each method, certain factors must be taken into consideration, such as the following:
- On average, men get vasectomies at the age of 38 and live an average of 41 years afterward.
- Men who get vasectomies are usually married.
- On average, married people have sex 51 times per year.
The comparisons in the price for these different methods based on the assumptions above are calculated and explained below.
Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills can be expensive over a lifetime and usually cost around $50 per month. After 41 years of usage, the overall price for birth control pills as a contraceptive method would be $24,600, which is far more expensive than the one-time price of a vasectomy.
Tubal Ligation
Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure where a physician closes a woman’s fallopian tubes. This invasive hospital procedure takes 2 to 3 hours and usually costs around $6,000. The tubal ligation procedure is more expensive than the cost of a vasectomy and has a 0.5% failure rate.
IUD
An IUD (intrauterine device) is inserted into the uterus to prevent contraception. An IUD can last up to 12 years and usually costs $1,300 per IUD.
Over the span of 41 years, a couple would have to have this procedure done 3 times, which would cost around $5,200. Over time, this procedure would prove to be more costly than a vasectomy.
Condoms
Condoms are latex barriers that keep sperm from entering the vagina. Condoms reduce the likelihood of pregnancy by 85%.
On average, condoms cost about $2 each. Over a period of 41 years, condoms can cost around $4,182. This is more expensive than a vasectomy and has an added risk of possible contraception.
What Is the Cost of a Vasectomy Reversal
If you are considering getting a vasectomy, you may wonder if it is possible to undo a vasectomy. Vasectomy reversals cost between $5,000 and $10,000. The price may vary depending on certain factors, such as where the surgery is performed and whether or not insurance will cover the procedure.
If you are considering getting a vasectomy and have questions regarding the cost, please schedule a consultation with our expert urologists at Urology of Greater Atlanta. We have multiple locations throughout the state of Georgia. Call or book your appointment today!
