Vasectomy Versus Tubal Ligation : Which One Should You Choose?
Two of the most popular permanent forms of birth control are a vasectomy for men and a tubal ligation for women. Both procedures are effective for preventing pregnancy, but which operation is the easier of the two from which to recover? Should the husband have a vasectomy or should the wife have a tubal ligation?
It is important that both the husband and wife be well versed on the pros and cons of each procedure. Knowing what each procedure entails, the recovery time, the possible risks and side effects associated with both of these is vital to making an informed decision.
Benefits Of Having A Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a much simpler procedure to perform than is a tubal ligation. When men go to have a vasectomy performed, often they are in and out of the doctor’s office or health clinic in less than an hour. Though there is some discomfort at first, recovery time is fairly quick and regular activities can be resumed in about one week. If your husband has his vasectomy on Friday afternoon, chances are good that he will return to work on Monday morning not much the worse for wear.
A vasectomy costs much less than does a tubal ligation too. It is thought for a simple vasectomy compared to a tubal ligation, the cost can be as much as four times less than the procedure for a woman. There are side effects to having a vasectomy, such as chronic pain, but this doesn’t happen very often. There has been much debate about whether having a vasectomy increases the risks for a man to develop prostate cancer. So far the scientific evidence doesn’t support that link.
Should She Have A Tubal Ligation?
When a woman chooses to have a tubal ligation, most will require a hospitalization after the procedure is performed. She will have to undergo general anesthesia, and have ample recovery time at both the hospital and at home. There are many complications that can occur when a woman has a tubal ligation.
Some of the more serious risks are the perforation of the intestine during surgery, a pulmonary embolism, negative effects from the anesthesia and serious infections. Many times woman will experience the less serious side effects which can include what is now being called “post tubal ligation syndrome” that is under study, more painful menstrual cycles and pain in the pelvic region.
How To Make The Choice
If you compare the price, the procedure, the recovery time and the potential risks, the vasectomy seems to be the smarter choice of the two. But many couples still hold true to the old fashioned notion that birth control is a matter for which women should take care. Many men are fearful of having a vasectomy because of threats to their masculinity. Once testicle cutting is mentioned, most men run screaming the other way.
Deciding who should “get fixed” is entirely up to the individual couple using advice and recommendations from their physicians.
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