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Please note that this is a general summary of the most common birth control methods and is only intended to be an overview. You should always consult your doctor or health care professional before using birth control.

Female Sterilization

Effectiveness: Failure rate of 0.4%

Overview

The fallopian tubes are surgically either tied, cut, clamped or blocked (often called a tubal ligation). This prevents sperm from joining with the unfertilized egg.

• Highly effective
• Most women fully recover within a week of the procedure
• The surgery does not remove any organs
• Ovaries still produce female hormones

• Expensive, costing between $1,000 and $3,000
• Same risks as associated with any other surgery
• Long term risks of ectopic pregnancy, cervical cancer, menstrual cycle disturbances, and gynecological problems necessitating hysterectomy
• Although reversible in rare cases, sterilization should be considered permanent

Male Vasectomy

Effectiveness: 99 percent effective

Overview

With a vasectomy, the vas deferens (tubes leaving the male testes) are clamped, cut and sealed to prevent the release of sperm. An egg cannot be fertilized without sperm.

• Highly effective

• Must use another birth control method for 3 months or more after procedure to insure no sperm are present