How Much Does a Vasectomy Cost?


Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

A vasectomy is basically a form of birth control for men that is meant to be permanent.  During this procedure, tubes are going to be blocked so the sperm will not be able to leave the body.

56-365 doctors office by Upupa4me, on Flickr
56-365 doctors office” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Upupa4me

How much does a Ccost?

On average, a vasectomy can cost in the price range of $300 to $4,300.  This will depend on the exact procedure that is performed, if you have insurance and the doctor performing the procedure.  Upon looking at a few medical providers throughout the United States, Planned Parenthood was often less than $1,000, while some medical clinics could be as much as $4,500, but most were able to offer a cash discount to those whose insurance wouldn’t cover most of the procedure.

If you have health insurance, check with your local health insurance provider to see if they cover it.  Most of the time, insurance providers will cover a procedure such as this one and you will only be responsible for your co-pays and/or deductible.

According to Vasectomy.com, the cost of this procedure can range anywhere from $500 to as much as $1,000.  The geographical location is going to play the biggest factor when choosing this procedure.

The Planned Parenthood states the average cost across the nation could be as little as $0 with insurance to as much as $1,000.  This price should include the follow-up sperm count.

Vasectomy overview

Sperm is made through the testicles and will pass through two tubes called the vasa deferentia to the other glands and will mix with the seminal fluids to form semen.  A vasectomy procedure will block the vasa deferentia and keep the sperm out of the seminal fluids.  Instead of reaching this fluid, the sperm will be absorbed by the body instead of being ejaculated.  It is nearly 100 percent effective; however, it won’t be immediately effective since sperm can remain in the blocked tubes after the procedure.  This is why it’s important to go to your follow-up visits to ensure the sperm is 100 percent gone.  This entire process can take up to three months.

There are two methods offered at a local doctor’s office:  via an incision or non-incision method.  During the incision method,  a local anesthetic will be injecting into the pelvic region.  Then, the doctor will create a small incision on the side of the scrotum to reach the vasa deferentia described prior.  Each tube will be blocked by tying it off or using a surgical clip.  During the no-incision method, often referred to as the no-scalpel or no needle method, will be done by creating a small puncture to reach both tubes.  These tubes will then be tied off, blocked or cauterized.  This procedure, unlike the incision method, will heal quickly and won’t require any stitches.  Both procedures will be done in an outpatient center and no hospital stay will be required.  Each one takes less than 45 minutes to perform.

Depending on your lifestyle and health, it will take two to three days to recover at home.

What are the extra costs?

Some physicians may bundle the costs together, but some may bill the anesthesia, consultation, follow-up appointments and semen analysis separate.  Be sure to talk with the doctor ahead of time to see what’s going to be included in your quote.  If the follow-up visit and analysis aren’t included, for example, it could cost another $75 to $200.

A follow-up appointment will be necessary a few weeks after the surgery is performed to check the sperm count.  A simple test, which involves providing a sperm sample at the office, will indicate how much sperm is left in your tubes.  These appointments will continue to be made until the count reaches zero.  Some doctors may charge for the procedure while others may include it in the total costs.

Some urologists may recommend freezing your sperm in case you change your mind about having children in the future.  A sperm bank will be able to collect, freeze and thaw your sperm for alternative insemination for the future.

The procedure can be reversed; however, it isn’t a guarantee as restoring fertility is uncertain.  A vasectomy reversal can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the doctor you go to.

Tips to know

This procedure won’t change your masculinity or your hormones.  It also won’t affect your sexuality, organs or pleasure as no organs or glands won’t be removed during the procedure.

Like any procedure, risks may arise such as infections, fevers, excessive pain or swelling.  Complication rates for the non-incision method are lower than the incision procedure.

How can I save money?

Those without insurance or those that are low on funds may be able to check with their local Planned Parenthood.  This procedure can be performed there at a fraction of the cost.  Planned Parenthood will base the procedure on your income level.

Check with the doctor’s office to see if they offer any type of cash discount.  Most offices are more than happy to accept a payment in full at a discounted rate.  Even if you don’t have the cash to pay up front, most offices will accept a major credit card.  Most will see this as a cash payment as well.  If you can, consider paying with a credit card.

A vasectomy is a lot cheaper than the tubal ligation procedure; in fact, it’s known to be six to seven times cheaper.  For couples that are debating who needs to get what done, keep in mind that a vasectomy will always be the cheaper route to go.

Some states, depending on where you live, may provide state assistance if you meet certain income requirements.  Check with your local health department to see if you may be covered.


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